SANFORD – Vibrant Families, (VFAM) the charitable organization dedicated to serving underserved communities, providing mentoring to at-risk and fatherless young men in Seminole County and beyond, is celebrating two years of the endeavor.
Since spring of 2022, Founder Kenneth Clark and his team of diverse role models – VFAM’s The Legacy Club (TLC) – has been mentoring and introducing new experiences to up to 25 young men. By focusing on education and showing – through frequent excursions – the many opportunities available to them, the mentors have witnessed their achievements and growth.
Clark attributes much of the success to VFAM’s “Better Together” partnerships with Hamilton Elementary School of Engineering and Technology; the Seminole County Public Schools Dividends/Community; the J. Douglas Williams YMCA and other corporate sponsors and local agencies.
The Legacy Club meets every other Wednesday to assist with homework and have powerful conversations about current issues such as anger management or what makes an awesome leader, Clark explained. They share a meal together courtesy of Chick-Fil-A Sanford, and also play basketball or football. Their personalized support fosters healthy habits and relationships.
The Seminole County Public Schools year over year numbers on the boys who participated in The Legacy Club saw over a 30 percent growth in student academic achievement, improved school attendance and reduced misconduct and suspensions.
“We’re incredibly proud of the young men they are becoming and it’s truly inspiring to witness their growth,” Clark said, adding “Now we need to expand to mentor and help more at-risk and fatherless boys from age 10-19.”
Acquiring a second shuttle bus by this July, launching Legacy Club at Millennium Middle School in Sanford and Hungerford Elementary School in Eatonville (Orange County) by August; hiring two full-time employees and raising $150,000 by year-end are priorities among the 501(3)(c) organization’s goals for the second half of 2024.
Clark’s own childhood experiences of abuse, poverty and abandonment fueled his desire and tenacity to help people, especially at-risk and fatherless children in tough situations, to recognize their worth and develop self-confidence – qualities he strongly deems essential for building successful relationships and achieving success.
“By empowering and inspiring brighter futures through mentorship, education, new experiences and collaborative community projects, we are laying a foundation for stronger communities,” Clark said.
