WS Chronicle

Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN) has given Gentleman’s Quorum Inc. a grant in the amount of $9,022 to support a program designed to help teach boys how to become men. The focus of the program is teaching students employability training skills and equipping them with social skills to adapt and adjust to most social interactions.

The group was awarded a grant from NBN for the second consecutive year.

Gentleman’s Quorum, in its fourth year, was founded by Sam Davis and Elliot Miley at Elementary School Academy. However, it has since reached out to boys in the Bowen Park, Castle Heights and Carver School Road neighborhoods, which is the focus of the grant efforts.

With the help of Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods, Gentleman’s Quorum Inc. was able to work with 12 young men in the summer and provid them with valuable tools in the skilled trade professions. Most importantly, Gentleman’s Quorum was able to teach them skills in etiquette and social skills through various workshops, training sessions and field trips. They were also able to equip them with skills in making smart financial decisions.

“We have been blessed with the opportunity to continue our efforts in working with these young men,” Miley said. “We are truly thankful that Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods recognized the efforts of our group and awarded us for the second consecutive year. It is indeed a privilege to have this great opportunity. We look forward to continuing our efforts in working with these boys.”

Gentleman’s Quorum Inc. hit the ground running after receiving this year’s grant proceeds. The students worked a daily schedule, cutting residents’ grass, painting, and helping with other household chores in the Bowen Park, Castle Heights and Carver School Road neighborhoods, which are part of the Place Matters initiative. In addition, the group was invited to participate in a public speaking forum, which was sponsored by NBN. They also were involved in etiquette and social skills classes.

Another component of the group’s activities is an innovative program called PLAAY, an acronym for Preventing Long-Term Anger and Aggression in Youth. It is modeled after a program used by Dr. Howard Stephenson of the University of Pennsylvania in working with youth in Philadelphia. Sports are the theme and counselors talk students through issues that arise during sports competition.