RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – A Richmond group known for mentoring youth is taking on a new challenge this summer.
The Broken Men Foundation is joining forces with VCU to teach men how to handle their emotions and the challenges that come along with being an adult.
For years, the Broken Men Foundation has supported and mentored middle and high school aged young men, teaching them how to navigate life and grow into responsible adults.
But founder and president Ellery Lundy said he began noticing the need for help didn’t stop at 18.
“As they became adults, they would reach back, ‘hey man I’m going through this, Mr. Lundy, can you help me with this?’,” Lundy said.
The group decided to offer a free eight-week class this summer for men between 18 and 35, creating a space for them to have open conversations.
“If you don’t allow men to have emotions, or whatever that may look at, he will show his emotions. And sometimes that happens to be putting his hands on someone, or hitting a lady, or hitting someone, because he was always taught never to cry,” Lundy said.
Throughout the course, the men will learn about social and emotional learning, cognitive behavioral therapy, and financial literacy.
The foundation is partnering with VCU, specifically those running the Bridging the Gap program.
“Bridging the gap hospital-based violence intervention program identifies and engages patients who have been impacted by community violence and are at high risk for future injury or re-injury,” said Ariel Wood, violence intervention and prevention program manager for Bridging the Gap
Patients of Bridging the Gap are also able to join this course alongside the other participants.
“It’s really combining healthcare, mentorship, community support, and we’re creating pathways to recovery that extend beyond these hospital walls,” Wood said.
The goal is that when these men leave the course, they will have created safe outlets for dealing with their emotions and know when it’s time to ask for help.
“It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay. But the reality, we’re trying to let folks know, when you’re not okay, let someone know, talk to a friend, talk to another guy, but don’t stay there,” Lundy said.
Due to the overwhelming response, the last day to register will be June 5.
The first class will be on June 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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