The Defenders
Our CEO has a vision of building a social enterprise to change intergenerational dynamics of poverty, and the behavior of young Black teens as they become men. Since The Defenders program launched in 2015, teachers report 92% better behavior at school and 84% increased academic performance; parents and guardians report 95% improved behaviors at home. Of the 50 participants, 98% lack a father figure and all live in poverty or public housing.
We’ll be expanding to San Francisco—current community partners in Marin include:
- Bayside/MLK Academy, Marin City (6-8 graders)
- Willow Creek Academy, Sausalito (6-8 graders)
- Tamalpais High School, Mill Valley (9-12 graders)
- Marin City Community Development Corporation
- Marin City Community Services District
- Marin County Sheriff
Defenders attend weekly classes with the program facilitator to learn entrepreneurism, sales, public speaking and financial management. The Defenders is intensely hands-on: the program facilitator works with each of the young men and their families.