Empowering the Next Generation Through Mentorship & Prevention
Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, Palmetto Hope Network equips young men with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, break cycles of violence, and embrace a future of purpose and possibility.
We believe that mentorship changes lives
Through our youth programs we provide young men with positive role models, emotional education, and the tools to build resilience and self-worth.
We challenge harmful narratives around masculinity and foster a culture where boys can express their emotions, develop healthy relationships, and embrace their full potential.
Why It Matters:
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Early intervention reduces violence: Studies show that mentorship significantly reduces the likelihood of young men engaging in violent or destructive behavior.
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Emotional education builds resilience: By teaching young men to express their emotions constructively, we prevent the suppression of feelings that often leads to anger and violence.
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Mentorship opens doors: Our programs expose youth to new pathways for growth, including higher education, financial literacy, and personal development.
Boyz to Men Conference
Annual Flagship Event for Boys Ages 8-18
The Boyz to Men Conference is an annual mentorship event designed to empower young men through music, meaningful dialogue, and powerful role modeling. Now in its eighth year, the event has grown significantly, drawing nearly 300 students, coaches, and community leaders annually from across South Carolina.
Event Highlights:
- Music as Connection: Performances and recording sessions with local artists give participants an outlet for self-expression and creativity.
- Breakout Sessions: Small group discussions provide a safe space for young men to share openly with peers and mentors.
- Life Skills Workshops: Topics include bullying, domestic and gun violence prevention, healthy relationships, financial education, and college planning.
Why It Works:
The conference creates a supportive environment where boys can express emotions, learn from relatable mentors, and build confidence.
- “We provide young men with tools to handle their emotions constructively, rather than suppressing them. This is crucial for preventing situations where unexpressed emotions manifest as destructive behavior,” says Executive Director Marlvis ("Butch") Kennedy.
Year-Round Mentorship & Prevention Programs
Ongoing Mentorship Groups:
Mentorship doesn’t stop after the conference. Palmetto Hope Network offers year-round mentorship groups for boys ages 8-18.
- Weekly and monthly meetups focus on emotional wellness, life skills, and positive decision-making.
- Youth build lasting relationships with mentors who guide them through challenges and celebrate their growth.
Camp Hope in Partnership with Local Police
In addition to the conference and year-round mentoring, Palmetto Hope Network’s Butch and Lisa Kennedy are key organizers for Camp HOPE, a free six-week camp designed for kids ages 7-14. Led by Charleston County School Resource Officers in partnership with local schools and community organizations. The camp engages at-risk youth in activities that promote emotional intelligence, teamwork, and leadership while fostering healthy relationships with police officers.
What Camp Hope Offers:
- Team Building & Leadership Development
- Creative Arts & Hands-On Activities
- STEM & Problem-Solving Challenges
- Life Skills & Mentorship
- Recreation & Social Opportunities
If interested, please email LaQuilla Smalls at smallsl@charleston-sc.gov for details.
RealMad: Men Against Domestic Violence Trainings:
Our RealMad initiative provides prevention training specifically for boys and men, teaching them to recognize and challenge unhealthy behaviors.
- Workshops on healthy masculinity: Addressing emotional regulation, boundaries, and respect in relationships.
- DV Prevention Education: Educating young men on the warning signs of domestic violence and how to intervene safely.
- Risk Reduction Program: Our community-based youth crime intervention program diverts first-time youthful offenders aged 9-17 from the justice system. Through accountability, conflict resolution training, and mentorship, the program addresses behavioral issues early.
Why This Work Matters
Our mentorship and prevention programs address the root causes of violence by fostering emotional awareness, self-worth, and positive role models.
Breaking the Cycle:
- Mentored youth are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer in their communities.
- Boys who learn to process emotions constructively are less likely to resort to violence when faced with conflict.
Empowering Young Men:
- Mentorship fosters confidence: When young men feel heard and supported, they are more likely to make positive life choices.
Emotional education promotes resilience:
- Teaching boys to recognize and express emotions in a healthy way prevents suppression that can lead to destructive behavior.
Get Involved. Change a Life.
Become a Mentor:
Change the trajectory of a young man’s life. Our mentorship program is always seeking committed, positive role models.
Refer a Mentee:
Know a young man who could benefit from mentorship? Connect them with a supportive community through our program.