MARION COUNTY, Ind. -- Brook Park Elementary, along with several other Lawrence Township Elementary Schools, have partnered with Crown Mentoring to help lead young men on a path toward success.
"And we believe, in Crown, that as we build character, as character increases, crime will decrease," said Pastor Richard Reynolds, Founder, Crown Mentoring.
"Everybody think that most black males will end up in jail or dead. And Crown, I feel like, tries to prove it wrong," said Cody Holland, student.
Fourth through sixth grade boys enrolled in the program stay after school and are taught a character-based curriculum by adult male mentors.
"And when I go to middle school, I'll have some skill that people won't have," said Riley Cooper, student.
"They're at the place now where they see the difference that it makes and they're believing the message of encouragement and empowerment," said Pastor Reynolds.
Brook Park's principal says Crown Mentoring is playing a crucial role.
"When our students have some discipline and are focused, they become better readers and better learners and then they are better contributors to society... they're really able to go out into the world and apply what they've learned in Crown, both in the classroom but outside in their settings," said Alicia Gatewood, Brook Park Principal.
Crown Mentoring hopes to expand into more central Indiana elementary schools so they're looking for more volunteers, sponsors and guest speakers. You can learn more by clicking here to go to their Facebook page.
