A former pastor is giving troubled youth hope for their future. Delvin Smith Sr. established the 'Boyz2Men with Purpose' program to help young people learn a trade. 

Life Skills Training for Better Future

In a report with Spectrum News, the nonprofit offers vocational courses, such as carpentry. 

Smith explained that he serves as a mentor to these young people. He added that he wants to ensure that these students would learn the skills they need to succeed in life. 

Labor of Love 

The former minister had his students give back to the community. One of the projects he had them complete was the pulpit stage at Love Center Church in Titusville.

The students were able to finish the project in two years. They built the platform and rewired the electrical outlets. 

Smith told the news outlet that he wanted the students to see the fruits of their labor. He pointed out that this project was also a labor of love the students gave to the community. 

He said that the project was his way of laying the foundation for these young people to have a bright future.

Better Path 

According to the report, one of the program students who found a new purpose in life is 17-year-old Jamarion Snead. He told the news outlet that he now wants to become a mentor like Smith.

The teenager has learned to hone his construction skills with the help of the nonprofit. He told the news outlet that he had a clear set of goals since he became part of the program. 

"Be the best person I can be," the teenager said. "Show them the right way, make sure they don't do the same things I did."

Snead explained that growing up was a challenging time for him. He admitted that he did not have the easiest childhood. 

The teenager would often get into trouble because of his behavior. Because of this, his life was going wrong at such a young age. 

He shared that he did not feel like he was a person of value. Because of this, he took to the streets, where he had brushes with the law. 

The teenager emphasized that those were not his proudest moments. Thanks to the program, he is starting to get his life back on track. 

The former faith leader said that he is proud to see how much the teenager has changed. So far, the nonprofit has impacted about 50 people and changed their lives for the better.

About Nonprofit  

According to the nonprofit's website, the program is a collaborative effort with other faith-based organizations. 

It is aimed to support boys and young men to become better citizens and to prepare them for life. The nonprofit said that they "intend to make a positive impact on the person to build change."

The nonprofit said that they understand these young men's struggles. It is the aim of the organization to help give them the dignity they deserve and need to become good and productive citizens. 

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