‘Elite Males’ Group Makes a Difference

Feb 25th, 2008

Elite Males is a group of young men ages 16-19. It came into being as a natural evolution of what they were doing at Agape and in their community. They meet daily at Agape’s Safe Place from 6-9 p.m. They work as volunteers at the Center and in the community surrounding the Center. J.C. Hall, Teen & Youth Services Coordinator says, “A lot of people outside this building [Agape} don't know what these guys do. They volunteer for many things in our community and at Agape. Their actions benefit the community. By being leaders in the community, they show that teens can act properly in public. They represent well-mannered youth." They serve food, chaperone field trips, help the elderly with things such as yard maintenance and develop projects they feel will help their community. Their most recent project is Marquis' idea that people in the community are going to need warm winter clothes.

Community Partner Talibah Mateen worked with the group and other Safe Place youth to hold an all-night all-male event at Agape. She says, "We did an all-male thing because we were already doing a of things for girls."

Group member Antonio says, "We started it [Elite Males] because each of us lives in the community and we see a lot of things going on that we don’t like.”

Hs friend Justin says, “We started calling people to get stuff done. We worked to get Douglas Park finished.” They called their alderman and others at the city. He adds, “As an individual teen in the community, I can’t get my voice out about positive things, so I joined the group.”

16-year-old Marquis says, “The group [and Agape's Safe Place] gave me a solid foundation as a teen. I went through a lot of things as a little kid. I want to build up others as much as possible.”

Universally, the members want to be role models for younger youth in the community. Justin says, “In the beginning, I just saw it as a group. Now, I see it as a chance for me to grow. I can see that people listen to me and see me as a leader. Robert adds, “When I came to Agape’s Safe Place, I learned how we can change things. We can’t sit and wait for something to happen.

Marquis says, “This group is beneficial because of the wealth of knowledge stored in it. And, it’s another home.”

And Antonio adds, “I think we’ve made adults realize that all teens are not alike by working in the meal program and doing other volunteer work in the community.”