Our Mission
Executive Summary
The Fellas is a nonprofit agency that was Founded in 1984 at Northwestern H.S. as an unsanctioned organization the purpose then was socialization and positive male bonding among African American men. Our bond and brotherhood influenced each other to go on and lead successful lives. The organization disbanded in 1993, approximately two hundred young men became members. Thirty two years later, the organization has reformed with the goal to mentor and tutor to foster a commitment to students that will promote pro-social friendships, spirituality, strong interpersonal skills, and reassert a sense of hope in the future. Only through personal relationships can a sense of individual responsibility be reestablished that will give youth the commitment to follow through on path to adulthood with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The Fellas is an organization that is in direct response to the growing number of Americans that are either falling through the cracks at school or are already entangled with the juvenile court system. The goal of the organization is to identify youths and young adults who are going to have a turbulent transition to adulthood, a struggle with their education, and offer positive support system to avoid the pitfalls that can derail their lives. The focus is slightly different at each level but the goal remains the same; empower the American male and female to make positive changes in his or her life.
The Fellas will focus primarily on middle school youths. It is projected that within three years, 50% of the system's students will be in middle school. This age group is particularly problematic and a perfect time for mentoring to be effective.
The Fellas programs will be provided to Male and females starting in the sixth grade through their senior year of high school. During that time the young men and women will participate in weekly planned activities to strengthen their livelihood through mentoring, tutoring, spirituality, and arts and sciences, and improve the young person's confidence and hopefulness.
Mission
The Mission of The Fellas is to educate, mentor, conduct performing arts, and to serve as a resource for parents, educators and all who seek to enrich the lives of Young Men and Women. By creating this organization, The Fellas supports the continued professional growth of young men and women from the ages of 11-18 years of age, and enhances the cultural and economic vitality of the surrounding community.
Through the innovative programs, The Fellas:
• Will work to provide tutoring programs, SAT and ACT programs, and College Workshops.
• Will reach out to Young Men and Women of Christ background and culture throughout the Rock Hill, South Carolina area.
• Will offer a stimulating environment where Young Men and Women can work with artists and educators to study and learn performing arts.
• Will give mentorship and minister to Young Men and Women to be good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Keys to Success:
• Establish a strong network of support with the school systems and churches.
• Launch a series of fundraising activities that will successfully fund the expanding program.
• Establish an effective training program for mentors and tutors that will increase their ability to be successful communicators.
• Establish an effective monitoring system to protect both of the youth, tutor, and the mentor.
Organization Summary
The Fellas is a nonprofit agency providing mentoring, tutoring, arts and sciences, and spiritual programs for middle and high school youth, and low-income first generation college students in the Rock Hill, SC area. The program will form partnerships with local school districts and churches.
Youth will participate in various programs by local residents who are trained to focus on positive reinforcement, trust-building, and the achievement of goals, by engaging youth in one-on-one outing and group programs in the community. Mentors, tutors, and youth agree to meet for between 10-15 hours per month for a full year.
Ongoing training will continue with mentors and tutors on individual case management throughout the year. In addition, The Fellas will have monthly mentor and tutor support meetings.