ManUpPHL is addressing violence in Philadelphia by offering a program that connects young men to mentorship and resources, writes Lynette Hazelton for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
As part of Listening to the Streets sessions, participants — who range in ages from 17 to 35 — spend 24 hours together over three weeks sharing their vulnerabilities while also learning practical life skills such as budgeting and job interview techniques. All participants receive a stipend of $15 an hour and a job opportunity.
The participants gather with their ManUpPHL volunteer mentors at the organization’s Center City office several times a week to discuss their employment status and listen to tips on how to build a good life.
The sessions are called Real Men/Real Talk and are part of an authentic agenda to unmask everybody with real talk and provide them with real help.
ManUpPHL was founded by radio host Solomon Jones in 2019.
“Don’t feel like your life gotta be perfect. Take the guidance as you go through the ups and downs, twists and turns,” Jones advised to participants.
Gary Murray, one of the mentors, sold and used drugs before stopping about 25 years ago.
“We can get over those times,” he assured members of the recent cohort.
Read more about ManUpPHL and how it can change lives in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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