Troubled Youth Develop Trade Skills in Boyz2Men with Purpose Program

Our young men were in the sun getting it in.

Founder of the Moys2Men with his purpose of helping troubled youth find a purpose of their own

Titusville, Florida

Former pastor Delvin Smith Sr. founded the Boyz2Men with Purpose program. The program aims to teach young men and women a trade, like carpentry, and tile or electrical work.

Smith says he not only serves as a mentor but works to teach the kids lifelong skills to help them succeed in life.

One project his students completed was revamping the pulpit stage at Love Center Church in Titusville. The young people did all the work, from building the platform to rewiring the electrical outlets.

“As a result of their hard work, they are able to see what they accomplished,” Smith said.

Jamarion Snead, 17, said there’s no place he’d rather be to become a mentor himself, while also honing his construction skills.

“Be the best person I can be,” he said of his goals. “Show them the right way, make sure they don’t do the same things I did.”

Snead said when he was younger his behavior didn’t measure up and his life was on the wrong path.

“My main problem was I didn’t feel value, so I just spent my time on the streets,” he said. “Had a few brushes with the law — not my proudest moments. This program sent me on the right track.”

Smith said he’s proud of how Snead turned his life around.

The project lasted two years, but Smith said it was a labor of love that laid the foundation for the kids to have a productive future.

In February, the members of the Boyz 2 Men Mentoring had a chance to speak with Orland Magic forward Wendell Carter Jr.

In a small theatre, Wendell and program members share their stories. The value of education, role models, and planning for the future were items at the top of the discussion list.

Boyz2Men with Purpose Mentor Program

“One thing I can say is I still have enough brain power,” Wendell says. “I studied. I went to college. I did all that I had to do. If this still gets taken away from me, I still have a backup plan. That’s just something nobody can take from y’all.”

As of now, he doesn’t need to rely on his backup plan. As a high school kid, Wendell prepared for everything. Coming out of Pace Academy in Atlanta, he was one of the top recruits in the country. He also had a 3.8 GPA.

Smith says so far, he has helped around 50 young people learn skills that he hopes will lead to a positive change in their lives.

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