Men of Purpose was created out of the implementation of detention, with the intent to supplement punishment or consequential reactions with skill, understanding, support and most of all purpose. MOP is dedicated to providing an holistic back drop and resource for our young men.

While Men of Purpose serves an array of socioeconomic background, it began its geographical roots in Altgeld Garden which is rich in history and where family bonds are at the center of the community’s culture. Men of Purpose believes in the need and power of community and shares the ideal in all areas of its span.

MOP is designed to create structure, education, adventure, fun and critical thinking for young black meant to the age 24 through a myriad of resources and experiences. Its leadership is maintained by dedicated Black men and is upheld by the strength and wisdom of driven Black men who serve as mentors and are located across the country.

The idea behind the function of MOP is that we were all once children, and have all had journey through the developmental stages. As a result, we never want to forget what it is like to be a kid both in what we desired and what we need. More so, we remember what it is like to be a Black boy navigating a world that was not quite designed for our nurturing, entertainment and thriving. At MOP, among other initiatives, we participate and host various athletic, educational/tutoring, mentorship, community service/empowerment and self-care activities to build leaders and Men of Purpose.

Listen to some of our Alums, share their MOP experiences and the impact leadership had on them as young Black men.

Men of Purpose prides itself on the ability to provide:

• Exposure

• Stability

• Honest & Encouraging Interaction

• Guidance around navigating manhood

through communication, mentorship, behavior modeling, opportunities and more.

Parents are an imperative part of the MOP mission and overall process. In this video, one of our parents share her thoughts on enrolling her children into the Men of Purpose mentoring program and the how she feels the opportunity enriched her children.