Uplifting
Communities,
Empowering
young men.
Project Uplift Foundation
Developing Leaders for today and the future
Welcome to the Project Uplift Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting communities in the Metro East St. Louis region. Our mission is to develop, promote, and support the betterment of children, adults, families, and senior citizens throughout our community. Through our various programs and initiatives, we strive to create positive change and foster stronger, more resilient communities.
MENTORING METHOD
Our mentoring method is based on a concept called, “Otherfathering” whereby mentors treat mentees as though they are their own sons. This method takes full advantage of the mentors’ innate instincts to provide father-like care when interacting with mentees. It also contributes to building strong relationship bonds and mentee resiliency. In practice, our mentors use Otherfathering to inspire mentees’ positive identity development, interest in higher learning, and acceptance of responsibilities.
HOW IT WORKS:
MANHOOD MEETINGS
Project Uplift mentors host monthly three-hour mentoring sessions with mentees, which are conducted every third Saturday from September through May (a school year). Each session is designed to assist mentees with their personal growth and development as young men. Mentors educate them on being responsible and accountable for their actions. Particular emphasis is placed on positive nurturing of mentees’ identity, self-image, self-confidence, communications enrichment, and conflict resolution.
ACTIVITY OUTINGS
Project Uplift mentors chaperone field trips that offer mentees cultural, social, and sporting event experiences throughout the year. The purpose of outings is to provide mentees opportunities to enhance their knowledge, gain insight into history, and understand the importance of community. Additionally, outings afford mentees opportunities to have fun with fellow mentees in less formal settings, while also enabling them to exercise learned manhood competencies.