My Daddy Taught Me That is a program designed to support the development, uplift, and education of youth and young males. The organization's focus is to teach young men how to transition from the young teen adolescent time in their lives into responsible young men; focusing on good decision making, accepting responsibility, and being accountable for their actions.
This is facilitated through educational group sessions and discussions, hands-on activities and programs, and the introduction to innovative and unique events. (MDTMT) will mentor, build self-esteem, confidence, and eliminate barriers to and exposure of crime, gangs, and drugs, that minority male youth confront in underserved communities in Asheville, NC. This program will play the vital role in transforming young males into our leading MEN of tomorrow. “My Daddy Taught Me That” was created so that every young male would have the opportunity to experience and know firsthand what being a positive male feels like and also to know what productive men do in our society. This program was inspired by Bennie Lake, who dedicated his life working with the youth. His son, Keynon Lake, founded “My Daddy Taught Me That”, as he wanted every youth and young male to have the experience of knowing what real men do. Real men lead by example, take care of their families, and become community leaders. Supported by the book MY DADDY TAUGHT ME THAT, the dream is that every youth and young male can become positive, productive men in the community while knowing from example what it means to be a MAN.
This program meets a minimum of twice a week, in addition to occasional weekend events. The target age group is ages 12 to 19; however, all young males are welcomed, older or a little younger.
This Men’s Development Program is based in Asheville, North Carolina. With community support the lives of our youth can be permanently changed for the greater good. So many youth and young males faced with the challenges of absent fathers, increased incarceration numbers, and high education dropout rates it’s time we make a stand, and make a change.
