Friday, Mar. 7, 2025
At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we believe in the power of community-driven initiatives that create lasting change. That’s why we are thrilled to support Boyz 2 Men Mentoring through our Community Reinvestment Account (CRP) in Clark County. This organization is making an incredible impact on the lives of young boys by providing consistent, meaningful mentorship and life skills education.
A Mission Rooted in Experience
Boyz 2 Men Mentoring was founded with a heartfelt mission: to provide teenage boys, particularly those without father figures, with a supportive community of male role models. Co-founder Lee Anderson knows firsthand the challenges of growing up in a fatherless home, which is why he felt compelled to launch the program upon moving to Vancouver.
“When I got down here, I didn’t really see much like that. I felt that it would be advantageous for us to do something like this,” Anderson shared. His lived experience, combined with his professional background in banking, business, and real estate, inspired him to create a structured, sustainable mentoring program for young men.
Building Stronger Futures
Boyz 2 Men Mentoring operates on three key pillars:
- Community-Based Mentoring: Every week, mentors teach young boys essential life skills such as financial literacy, grocery shopping, cooking, personal hygiene, and automotive basics. “We teach them all of these skills over a term of 21 weeks… We meet for about an hour and a half and go over those skills,” said Anderson. In addition, the program offers monthly outings like bowling, camping, and fishing to build camaraderie and expose the boys to new experiences.
- School-Based Mentorship: Set to launch in the 2026 school year, this initiative will pair students with dedicated mentors for one-on-one sessions. “It’s just once a week for an hour, sitting down with the kid that’s assigned to them based on criteria recommended by the school and our program,” Anderson explained. This focused approach allows mentors to provide individualized support and guidance.
- Family Support Services: Recognizing that true change must include the entire household, Boyz 2 Men is expanding its services to assist families with financial resources, food, clothing, and mental health support. “We found out that we help the young boys, but then they go back home to an unhealthy scenario,” Anderson noted. “If we can wrap around and be there, we found it is more successful.”
“We found out that we help the young boys, but then they go back home to an unhealthy scenario. If we can wrap around and be there, we found it is so much more successful.”
Lee Anderson, co-founder of Boyz 2 Men Mentoring
The Impact of United Way's Grant
Through United Way's Community Outreach Grant, Boyz 2 Men Mentoring is gaining the resources needed to expand its impact. The grant will help the organization grow its mentorship capacity, provide wraparound support to families, and reach more young men in need.
“There is a gap in services,” Anderson emphasized. “There’s a lack of consistency… If we’re going to be there, we’re going to be there. We’re going to try to have this going consistently and not stop or miss a time.” This unwavering dedication is precisely why United Way is proud to support Boyz 2 Men in its mission.
Looking Ahead
The demand for mentorship continues to grow, and Boyz 2 Men is working toward expanding its reach beyond Vancouver to surrounding areas like Battle Ground, Camas, and even North Portland. As the program continues to evolve, the ultimate goal remains the same: to provide young boys with the skills, confidence, and support needed to become successful, independent men.
By investing in organizations like Boyz 2 Men Mentoring, UWCW is reinforcing our commitment to strengthening communities, fostering equity, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact of this partnership and the bright futures it will help create. To learn more about Boyz 2 Men Mentoring, visit Boyz2MenWA.org.