​​Boyz to Men Mentorship
~ Creed ~
We strive to take steps in the right direction.
We are dedicated, committed, and focused.
We respect our family, our community, our elders and our teachers.
We are accountable for our actions.
We will make no excuses.
We never fail because we never quit.
We learn the lesson that comes through failure.
We are our brother's keeper.
We are greatness personified.
We are Kings!
We are Boyz to Men!
Meet Our Mentors
Marlvis Butch Kennedy
Mr. Marlvis (Butch) Kennedy is currently employed as a Systems Engineer at SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation), where he provides design and engineering support for the Combat operations Center for the United States Marine Corps Mr. Kennedy serves is the founder and CEO of The Palmetto Hope Network; a non-profit organization who’s, core mission is to provide Hope to Communities and Victims of Violent Crimes through Advocacy and Education by Collaborating with Law Enforcement, The Clergy, and Other Stakeholders. Mr. Kennedy believes that “Either you stand for something, or you will fall for anything!!” As the founder and CEO of Palmetto Hope Network, he has been volunteering in the Tri-County area for over fourteen years, standing up for those that are unable to stand up for themselves.
Christopher "Poppa Smurf"
Cason
Born on the 25th day of December, (Christmas) in Brooklyn, New York! Christopher Ralph Cason is better known throughout the community as “Poppa Smurf!” He is the son of the late Herbert & Mamie Cason and the biological son of the late Antoinette Herben! He is the proud father of Christopher Jr., Tequila, Terri, Kamyla, Kristina, Krista and Peyton! Poppa Smurf is a street soldier who spent most of his early years in and out of trouble! Upon being released from prison in 2000. Poppa Smurf vowed never to go back and because of the destruction he caused in his community! He vowed to be a part of the reconstruction and revitalization process! Since 2000, Poppa Smurf has been involved in programs geared at navigating troubled youth away from crime and violence! He’s received many awards, including a South Carolina State House of Representatives Resolution for his mentoring success with children and adults! Poppa Smurf appeared before the South Carolina Department of Parole and Pardon board in March of 2019 and received a full pardon for all his past legal mistakes! Poppa Smurf now works for the city of Charleston’s environmental services and has been promoted to route leader! Poppa Smurf has one main concern for his community and that’s to prevent any other youth from traveling the destructive path that almost caused him to loose his life and/or spend the rest of it in prison! Throughout the community, Poppa Smurf is well known for two quotes! “I COME IN PEACE AND I’M ONLY AS GOOD AS WE ARE TOGETHER!”
Isiah V. Hamilton IV
Isiah is one of our mentors, he is a son, brother, a man that is steadily growing into the man that God has him to be. He is a graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. He currently works at SAIC supporting the Combat Operations Center for the USMC. He is known to people to be a light in his community and always strives to create an impact with people whom he comes in contact with. He also works in the brand ambassadorship space promoting healthy living, and believes that there should be abundance in all areas of life mentally, family, health, spiritually, and financially. He lives by the quote “ We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It’s not just some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously allow other people permission to do the same.”
Alvin Green Jr.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina Alvin Green Jr is the youngest in his family. Graduating from Stratford High School in 2014, and then later graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall of 2018 with a degree in Homeland Security. Alvin currently works at the Naval Information Warfare Center in Charleston where he once did a high school internship for two summers. His career however has not prevented him from giving back to the community the best way he knows how, by inspiring young men to reach their full potential. Alvin does this by coaching basketball, speaking at events, and doing STEM activities through his job.