What is Friday Tie Day? A mentorship program designed to give young men real life experiences and opportunities to express themselves, explore their surroundings and be confident in who they are and are becoming.
The Friday Tie Day program through Fort Wayne United, has been a life changing program for several young men at New Haven High School over the past 4 years. Friday Tie Day has offered mentorship, community involvement and personal growth training for young men, who would not otherwise have these opportunities.
Over the years the direct impact the program has had on the students is decreased absences and discipline, increased grades and an overall boost in confidence in the young men. This is seen in the way they carry themselves, respectfully interact with peers and adults in the building and out in the community and their growth in engaging in Friday discussions.
The Friday Tie Day has grown each year, so much so that this year they had over 50 students show interest, and they could only support 25.
New Haven High School is beyond grateful for the opportunity to participate and partner each year with Fort Wayne United and would like to recognize these young men and the program manager Mr. Greg Smith-Causey for his hard work and dedication in making the program the success it is today.
The young men had the opportunity to interact with professional basketball players at a Mad Ants game, business owners, presidents and CEO’s of companies and much more….
Some mentors include:
Mr. Edmond O’Neal – President/CEO of Northeast Indiana Works
Mr. Amos Norman, Executive Director of Renaissance YMCA
Mr. Wayne Kelly Sr., Owner of X-Five-O Solutions
Mr. Raymond Smith, Mental Health Specialist, Parkview Health
Thank you Ms. Wallace and Ms. Meadows for coordinating this great program at New Haven High!