Ep. 56 - Empowering Boys and Young Men of Color: The Y and Morehouse College Partnership

Today, we’re diving into an incredible initiative that’s changing lives: the Y’s Boys and Young Men of Color strategy and the impact of the REACH program. Joining us are two extraordinary leaders making this work possible. Monteil Weeks, Group Vice President and Executive Director of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, and Michael Levesque, Executive Director of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association, have combined their expertise and passion to create the REACH program. This program connects young men of color at the Y with mentors from Morehouse College, providing them with invaluable guidance, college exposure, and the tools to build bright futures.

We’ll explore the origins of REACH, the partnership between the YMCA and Morehouse College, and how this innovative program addresses critical challenges while fostering a sense of brotherhood and purpose.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:29] The strategy and goals behind Boys and Young Men of Color and the partnership with Morehouse College National Alumni Association’s Reach program

• [16:37] Monteil shares a story of a changed life

• [25:52] Discussion of the success of the programs has overcome stereotypes of boys and young men of color

• [33:19] Mentorship between college students and youth

• [41:19] Discussion of the YMCA’s Historic Scholars

• [44:23] Discussion of what success looks like in the REACH program.

• [53:30] How the listener can support these efforts

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The YMCA and Morehouse College partnership through the REACH program has been successful, fostering growth, brotherhood, and mentorship for young men of color with a focus on shared missions and long-term support.

• The program emphasizes high expectations and access to resources for young men of color. The program fosters hope and agency in the youth by expecting the highest standards and providing access to cutting-edge technology, knowledgeable mentors, and ample opportunities. This approach not only empowers them but also helps dispel stereotypes.

• The success of the REACH program is measured by its impact on students' life choices, resilience, and confidence. It helps them pursue greater opportunities, embrace failure as growth, and improve communication with their families, all while preparing them for a larger world and showing they belong.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook:  YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Boys and Young Men of Color

REACH Program

BIOGRAPHIES: 

Monteil D. Weeks has been Executive Director of the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA since 2020 and Group Vice President for several YMCAs in Metro Atlanta, leading the Boys & Young Men of Color Strategy. She began her YMCA career in 1990 as a tutoring instructor with AmeriCorps and has contributed to developing four YMCAs in the area. Key accomplishments include creating a "welfare to work" program for the City of Atlanta Housing Authority and opening YMCAs in redeveloped mixed-income neighborhoods. A 1990 Spelman College graduate from Brooklyn, Monteil serves on the Jamie Foxx Learn Through Laughter Foundation Board.

Michael Levesque has been the Executive Director of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association since 2018 and co-recipient of the 2018 Alumnus of the Year Award. With over two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit, Fortune 100, and privately held organizations, he has led youth development programs in partnership with schools, agencies, churches, and community groups. Notable collaborations include the Boys and Girls Clubs, NFTE, YMCA, and the University of Chicago. A Detroit native and Kappa Alpha Psi member, Michael credits his family, the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit, and Morehouse College for inspiring his passion for service.