From Mentor to Peer

Making a multigenerational impact through consistent presence

Past | Present | Future

"Before we started mentoring, Mr. B and I butted heads," reflects Harambee alumn, Jayden Turner. "Another student made me angry, and I was about to react impulsively. But on that day, I had a breakthrough as Mr. B helped me work through my conflict. He helped me realize that a split-second impulse could change the course of my life. At Harambee, we always had second chances to become who God really made us to be. Conversations like that ultimately helped me turn from a life of violence."

Today, Mr. B and Jayden catch up outside their daughters' kindergarten classroom.Fifteen years later, Brandon has some more gray in his beard, and Jayden is taller and works full-time in the trades. They are both dads and parents of Harambee students. Peers.

"It's surreal," says Jayden. "It's been a long time, and it's a good feeling. Brandon was like a father figure to me. Now with kids of our own, we are still like one big family."

"It's a blessing because Jayden still needs it," says his mother and Harambee boardmember, Ms. Adrienne Hood. "It's one of the best decisions I ever made for him.Fifteen years later, Mr. B is still showing up for my son as he navigates fatherhood."

"A lot of kids don't get childhoods," laments Brandon. "At Harambee, we work hard to create a space where kids get to be kids. Even as a grown man, I still get to see the kid in Jayden. That's always been my favorite part about being a mentor."

Harambee is approaching three decades of multigenerational impact, transforming whole families and communities. "In this season, Jayden is a family man. I'm a family man. God moved us into this space. The Bible says that family is the foundation. To remember that, champion that, and celebrate it may be all that we have left. We need to carry each other through."

When it came time to enroll his own daughter, the decision was easy for Jayden:"I know Harambee will provide an educational foundation. But there's something else: Harambee is FAMILY. I want her to build a relationship like me and Mr. B have."