Several years ago, when I was fairly new with Tied Together, we visited Kennedy MS in Rockledge. As I was placing my group of four young men in a semi-circle a teacher grabbed my arm and began loudly explaining I should not touch one student, "He Goes Crazy". No explanation - nothing. Still not knowing what was going on, I started on the opposite end with my one-on-one mentoring. When I got to the last student I spoke softly, but kept my distance. He tried but could not tie the knot unassisted and was getting frustrated. I then asked, "May I help you, may I touch you?" He looked at me for several moments and the said "Yes", the first word he had spoken. We worked together and he succeeded. He was beaming with success as the session ended. As the students returned to class the teacher came to me and said again, "No one touches him, what did you do". . My response was "You cannot touch him, but I showed him how I would treat him - just like the others in his group and yes I can touch him". Since that day I have sought out those young men enrolled in Exceptional Student Education program. I have had the opportunity to laugh with students who are often shunned by the world. No stress just showing that I really care.

At South West Middle School I met a Jayden (not real name) and he said he did not need to learn how to tie a tie. When I asked him to explain, he said without any hesitation, "I'm going to be a thug" ". I was caught off guard. The other six boys in our group did not flinch or even look at him as if a statement like that was an everyday occurrence at their school. After we were finished tying ties, I asked Jayden why he wanted to be a thug. Before he could answer, the group of boys, who were not close friends and had just bonded over tying ties spoke up. One said to him "you're going to die", another said "there are better ways to make money" and another said "you won't make it as a thug". It was amazing to see the transformation of this group of boys, who had just bonded by learning to tie ties, to have the confidence to speak up to Jayden and try to lead him away from a potential bad decision. As the boys were heading back to the bleachers, I asked Jayden what he thought of what his peers had said to him and he responded with a big smile "I get it, I get it". I want to believe that in that one brief moment this group gave a glimpse into a better path for Jayden's future. I pray that through the influence of the Tied Together mentors, we continue to shine a light into these young men's lives today and their future as well.

On my first visit, I had no idea what to expect. I was so impressed with the content of the history of a handshake, the idea it is a young man's business card, a reflection of his level of confidence and, his connection to new people in his sphere of influence. When I saw young men, "limp" in, heads down, shoulders rounded, barely making eye contact is was disheartening. And then something magical happened, once they were with a volunteer, I saw the shoulders go back, the standing tall, and the pride and confidence that replaced the insecurities, all because of the attention and time that was given to them freely. I will forever be an advocate for the mission of Tied Together.

I had the privilege of volunteering with Tied Together, and the experience was truly life-changing. The volunteers of Tied Together are not just passionate about helping the young men and women in Brevard County, they are committed to making a lasting, positive impact on their lives. When I first volunteered, I anticipated simply helping students tie ties. But what I walked away with was so much more: a deep sense of hope and excitement. Tied Together is more than teaching young people. Volunteering with Tied Together has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It's rare to witness such a meaningful and genuine effort to help young people grow into confident, compassionate individuals. Tied Together is doing more than providing a service-they are changing lives.

What touches me most is the change you see in these young men in such a short time. When they first walk in, you can feel the uncertainty, the guardedness... but by the time they leave, there's a quiet confidence beginning to take shape. You start to see them believe in themselves just a little more. You could tell how much it meant to these young men-someone showing up, someone taking the time to care. These young men don't need perfection-they need presence, encouragement, and people willing to remind them of their worth. I encourage you to join us next semester. Your story, your time, your willingness to show up—it matters more than you might realize.

What I thought I was getting into was a chance to volunteer and frankly a little work avoidance behavior. What I found was something that has been life changing for me as a father of three boys and a leader in the community. There are days when I don't feel so uppity up and when I visit a school, the young men we meet get transformed right long with ME. The difference we make in ourselves and these fine young men will last a life time. It is said " let us NOT grow weary while doing good. For at the proper time we shall reap the harvest, so long as we believe and don't doubt". Galatians 6:9 The ripple effects will last into eternity I am certain. It will for me for certain!

I have the honor to volunteer with some amazing men in our community. I am reminded of their character and the virtues that have made them successful in life. I found much success every Friday and in every school. I am always prepared to try and make a difference with these young men by sharing important lessons of life. I thought I would be patient and teach them a thing or two, but the reality is they taught me more about love, gratitude, and unfiltered joy than I previously had experienced myself.

Does this boy have a father? a foundation? a future? How can I shape him in these few, fleeting moments? Can he see a man-in-the-making in the mirror? Can he behold who he wants to become? As he sees himself in a tie that he has learned to tie himself, I smile, for this boy is one step closer to being a man.