"Men"tor with SOHO!

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About Space of His Own

Location:

520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, US

Mission Statement

Space of His Own's mission is to provide boys in need with social, emotional, academic and creative enrichment through mentorship and carpentry instruction. We aim to reach underprivileged boys in local communities and prevent juvenile criminal involvement. We strive to inspire young boys to create a better future for themselves by designing a space of his own.

In addition Space of His Own seeks:

To reach boys in need in low-income communities and prevent juvenile criminal involvement

To have a lasting impact by fostering one-to-one mentor and peer group relationships beyond the one-year program

To engage all participating youth through art instruction and empower them to see the visual arts as an endeavor at which all can succeed and which can serve as an outlet for self-expression and creativity

To develop life skills in the areas of healthy eating, social skills, anger management, conflict resolution, etiquette and community service

To provide every participant with a personalized space of her own that encourages creativity, conveys a sense of value and worth, and gives a lasting reminder of her circle of support and care.

Description

Space of His Own serves fifth-grade boys in the community of Alexandria, VA. Each week throughout the school year, mentors and boys meet to enjoy dinner together and participate in a carpentry lesson. Carpentry sessions are meant to build the foundation of a bond that can last beyond the program year.

Projects range from building a chest to constructing a hidden compartment pencil case to designing a shelf. No carpentry experience is needed and basic hand tools are used in the workshop.

At the conclusion of the year, mentors team up to renovate each boy's living space using all of the projects that they have created together throughout the year. Mentors and boys continue their relationship in the community following the first year.