Asheville’s My Daddy Taught Me That Celebrates Growth

Young men engage in leadership activities at MDTMT's community center.

News Summary

Asheville’s nonprofit organization, My Daddy Taught Me That (MDTMT), marks a significant milestone under the leadership of Keynon Lake. MDTMT aims to empower young men through mentorship, resource access, and community programs. With remarkable growth, a new facility, and initiatives like the Ambassador program and My Sistah Taught Me That, the organization is dedicated to cultivating responsible leaders and addressing community challenges.

Asheville Celebrates an Inspiring Milestone with My Daddy Taught Me That

Asheville, North Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the nonprofit organization My Daddy Taught Me That (MDTMT), founded by community leader Keynon Lake, reflects on its significant achievements and forward-looking goals. MDTMT operates with a mission to support young men in the area, cultivating them into righteous, respectable, and responsible individuals through comprehensive mentoring programs.

An Overview of the Vision

Since its inception, MDTMT has aimed at creating access to resources that help local youth and their families overcome barriers preventing them from reaching their full potential. Keynon Lake, who has an impressive two-decade background in social work with Child Protective Services, has infused his passion for community service into every aspect of MDTMT.

Growing Stronger to Serve Better

The organization has grown remarkably since its early days and now employs a dedicated team of ten staff members. This growth has set the stage for exciting developments, including the recent acquisition of a building located at 3 Hunt Hill Place above McCormick Field, which is currently undergoing renovations to better serve the community.

Empowering Young Men in the Community

MDTMT has a flagship youth program that proudly engages about 115 participants, focusing on middle and high school boys from the Greater Asheville area. These young men enjoy an enriching experience that includes discussion groups covering vital topics like leadership development, conflict resolution, and employment preparation. Beyond the classroom, they also participate in engaging field trips, educational tours, and hands-on experience with career training in various trades.

Ambassador Program: Cheering the Next Generation

Excitingly, MDTMT has established an Ambassador program for individuals aged 19-24 who have successfully completed five years in the youth program. This gives these young men the chance to step up as leaders and mentors to younger participants, creating a circle of empowerment and continuity within the community.

Innovative Initiatives for a Diverse Community

The organization does not stop at supporting young men; in response to community calls for girls’ mentorship, it established a parallel initiative titled My Sistah Taught Me That in 2016. This program focuses on young girls aged 11-19, delivering personal development curriculums that cover essential skills and knowledge for their future.

Unique Approaches to Modern Challenges

MDTMT has also created a unique P.E.A.C.E. team that specializes in violence prevention and promotes a message of peace, health, and unity across Asheville and Buncombe County. This initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to tackling the pressing issues of absent fathers, high dropout rates, and rising incarceration rates.

Recognition and Community Impact

In November 2023, Keynon Lake’s leadership was recognized when he received the T. Kennon Roberson Award for Management Excellence in Nonprofit Health and Human Services. This accolade shines a light on the important work being done at MDTMT, which is driven by the inspiring values instilled in Keynon by his father, Bennie Lake, who dedicated his life to mentoring youth.

Building the Future

With ongoing renovations at their new facility and a growing list of programs in place, MDTMT continues to serve its mission. The organization meets at least twice a week for sessions, alongside various weekend events. Inclusive of all young males aged 12 to 19, the focus remains on education, personal growth, and community empowerment.

As Asheville nurtures its future leaders, My Daddy Taught Me That is fostering a culture of mentorship that highlights making good decisions and accepting responsibility. The organization’s unwavering commitment to the community leaves us optimistic about what the future holds!