TESTIMONIALS
“Dr. Jay Simpson is leading the way and is inspiring the next generation of young changemakers in our region! Thank you for building a better Boston!”
– Vetto Casado of Boston Foundation
Student Testimonials: In Their Own Words
What Have You Learned?
“
The importance of focus
Self-respect
Networking
Self-presentation
Importance of growing as a young man
Staying committed
You have motivation when you have a goal or plan
Be humble
Respect everyone
Work hard for what you want
Enjoy life
Leadership
Pride
Confidence
Respect others
Making smart choices
Respect others’ ideas
Fighting won’t solve anything
We are all influenced by different people
Being a man is something you earn
Stick with each other
You can chill with people you don’t know
Welcome everyone
Have an open mind
Stay on your grind
How to be a man
How to advocate for myself
Help others succeed with you
Don’t leave any man behind
Take what opportunity is given to you
The opportunity is there if you want it
Men do what they need to do—not what they want to do
Always believe in yourself and what you can do
Networking is key to more opportunities
To become a stronger student
Good work ethic
Watch what you say
Separate from the bad
Maintain good grades
Respect elders
Hear everyone’s voice
How to be more responsible
How to be a leader
How to survive
How to communicate
How to be considerate
How to make better choices
That I am so much smarter, creative, and ambitious than I give myself credit for
Look on the bright side of things
Who you surround yourself with matters
Loyalty
Accountability
Be vocal
Make your own choices
Think critically
Everybody is the same
Self-control
Love yourself
Community matters
Talk about your life
Love your bros
— YMWAP Student Reflection
How Have You Changed?
“
I’m staying committed
I communicate better with people
I stopped trying to act tough and cool, and tried to be just myself
My confidence—I can talk around people now
What to say in front of a room
How to communicate with people I don’t know
I’m more focused—before distractions would throw me off
I’m less likely to react badly
I know to take action—things aren’t done by themselves
I went from being a lazy student who got bad grades to a respectable kid who gets A’s and B’s
To become a stronger student and manage good work ethic
To live life the best you can
I got good ideas about life
I am more confident, mature, and I have a better image in my head for what I want for my future
Learned to be mature and focus
I learned the time to work and the time to play
Became more responsible
I learned to look at myself as a leader
I’m looking at life a whole new way
I have more tenacity about improving my future.
As long as the program doesn’t end I’m fine.
— YMWAP Student Reflection
Statements from Our Community
“This space is critical, and there are not many programs in this city that are for this particular space and group… It is in this space that there needs to be investment.
Sometimes being present is the work.“
— Dr. Kevin Simon
“We are proud of our partnership with Young Man With A Plan and so thrilled to be able to feature your incredible work. I think the excitement for your unique model was captured by Dr. Vuky’s remark that we need your program everywhere in the City!”
— Boston Children’s Hospital
“I don’t think there has ever been another group of people that has understood me like the mentors at YMWAP do. I know I will have people to pick me back up when I fall. Being a part of this organization is like having a second family. If I get a haircut they are the first ones to notice, the first ones to make my mental health a priority. I see YMWAP as a place for me to hit the reset button on the day. When things aren’t in the right spot for me, this organization helps me start that part of me back up. YMWAP opens up a part of me that I didn’t know was there. This organization has helped me grow into a leader, a mentor, a better friend, and a guide for others. You know that feeling when you just get back from a run or basketball game and you’re so thirsty but there is no water around? YMWAP is like that water, that thing which replenishes my mind. I don’t think it could be replaced by anything else.”
-Adrian B.
Current YMWAP Participant
“For the past seven years, I’ve been an active member of Young Man with a Plan, a decision that has profoundly impacted my life for the better. Joining this organization ranks as one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. They’ve offered invaluable resources and unwavering support, welcoming me with open arms and attentively listening to my concerns. Through their guidance, I’ve learned the essence of true manhood and the path to success. They demonstrate the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities to achieve greatness in life. Their encouragement pushes me to excel in every endeavor, instilling the motivation and determination needed to pursue a fulfilling career and secure financial stability.
YMWAP offers a safe haven for young men like myself to gather after school, where we focus on enhancing our academic and personal growth to build successful futures. Through group discussions and mentorship sessions, we delve into life lessons and confront the challenges and stereotypes prevalent in today’s society. These dialogues broaden our perspectives, preparing us for the hurdles we may encounter as we journey through life.”
— Chris A.
Graduate of BCLA
Student at Bunker Hill Community College
Current Employee of YMWAP
I am a Boston Police officer who works with youth through the Boston Police Department Community Service Office. I have been involved with Young Man with a Plan in Hyde Park for the past four years. This role involves attending their weekly meetings and checking in on the well-being of individual young men, especially over the course of the pandemic.
The young Black and Latino males in YMWAP are at risk for many reasons. Many are looking for a place to belong. A place that they can be themselves without the worries of peer pressure, negative influence, or threat of violence through conflict. YMWAP approaches violence prevention by offering kids sustained mentoring over 4 years and what they call “intrusive advising” which includes stalking social media.
The leaders and mentors also model what successful men of color can achieve in education, employment, home ownership, relationships and parenting. They visit kids in schools and also provide a safe space in their Hyde Park space for young men to form a brotherhood, check in, eat dinner together, and get support from leaders, mentors and other young men in the program. They help kids get jobs and they do neighborhood cleanups and other community service projects.
YMWAP provides the young men with a place to speak about how they are feeling about the past week and days to come. The environment allows them to be honest and open about the events in their lives. The young men understand that they are in a safe space physically and emotionally. Outside of school, the young men can be seen going to the different mentors to ask for advice. It is a great experience for the young men as well as myself.”
-Officer Mike Long
Boston Police Department (BPD)
Alumni Stories
MEET JEAN CHARLES (aka JC)
Jean Charles – or JC – is a 2020 YMWAP Alumni who wears many hats. By day, he serves as a Resident Advisor at his university and works security for a contractor in Boston. But wait, there’s more!
On top of his busy schedule, JC runs a thriving Graphic Design business, boasting an impressive portfolio of clients ranging from businesses to sports teams and artists.
As a high school student, JC’s creative mind designed the YMWAP logo that the organization has been using ever since!
JC’s journey with Young Man with a Plan began when his friends convinced him to join the group. Initially skeptical, he soon found himself hooked, after experiencing the program firsthand.
Not only did he discover personal growth within himself, but he also realized he was outpacing his peers outside the program. During challenging times like the pandemic, JC found solace in the support system provided by Dr. Jay and the YMWAP team, who regularly checked in on him.
“I want to learn skills to be self-sufficient. I plan to join trades and eventually get into a trade union. I want to learn how to build houses, grow food, hunt, and potentially make my own sustainable clothing which would also be an opportunity to grow my art brand.
I’m thinking electrician trade to start and then I can build from there. I’m planning to be Art Director for Video Games, Movies and Television Shows. My end goal is to start a production company via my art brand: that tells black stories and changes the way people think”
“I learned to surround yourself with the right people, as they play a crucial role in your success.”
MEET JASON HUYNH
Jason, a proud YMWAP Alumni, embarked on a unique college journey post-program. With a keen interest in both finance and IT, Jason decided to explore an unconventional path. Despite dipping his toes into the traditional college experience, he soon found himself drawn to the automotive industry.
Starting out as a product specialist at a car dealership, Jason quickly found his footing. His dedication and expertise didn’t go unnoticed, leading to a promotion to Financial Assistant in a relatively short time frame. Now, he’s gearing up for the next step in his career as a Sales Manager, slated to take on the role in a few months.
Jason’s transition highlights the importance of embracing diverse opportunities and taking calculated risks. His journey serves as a testament to the power of personal initiative and continuous growth.
“I hope to become a general manager one day at a top selling dealership. Though it is a hard career/business to be in, it’s not impossible to achieve.“
MEET LUC CHARLES
Luc, a 2019 YMWAP Alumni and graduating senior at UMass Dartmouth, is studying civil engineering with a minor in mathematics. Hailing from Haiti, Luc’s profound love for mathematics guided his academic path.
With his sights set on pursuing a master’s degree post-graduation, he aims to specialize in the maintenance construction field, drawing from his prior experience with MassDOT.
Luc’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, especially during the transition from high school to college. Despite facing initial hurdles, he recognized the importance of taking control of his own success. Luc credits YMWAP for providing him with invaluable support and guidance, emphasizing the genuine care and connection he felt within the program.
Reflecting on his experience, Luc advocates for self-advocacy and the importance of understanding one’s own path. He cherishes the sense of belonging and camaraderie fostered within YMWAP, where he found not just mentors, but family.
“I learned to succeed, advocate for myself, and stay true to my goals.”
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