Summertime is a great time for M.M.A.D.: Bobby Wilson (former Spartan and Washington Redskins Defensive Tackle), Lansing Warriors Coach Mireles, Lansing Warrior T. Ashley, Lansing Warriors Coach Rendon (orange shirt), Micajah Reynolds (MSU Spartan Nose Tackle), Lansing Warrior C. Ashley and Andrew Brewer, President and founder of M.M.A.D. Local youth football team the Lansing Warriors came to support the event. 
Below: Monica Burrell and her grandson, Nate Norris enjoying the entertainment and festivities of the day!
LANSING, MI — When Andrew Brewer had a picnic three years ago it slowly evolved into a movement that is committed to providing an outlet for youth, especially young men of color. Brewer saw that the picnic impacted families so much that he became committed to bring success and an outlet for youth. So he gathered a group of men and women together and created Men Making A Difference (M.M.A.D.).
Brewer said, “There is an outrage with single mothers and incarcerated parents in our community that need assistance with the every day struggles of raising our children.”
He added that M.M.A.D. is serious about working on solutions; to create a successful outcome for young people’s future through education, cultural awareness and support.
Even though the focus age group is 10-14, they will not turn down any child in need. M.M.A.D. takes an innovative approach when interacting with young men in a group environment.
One of the most important aspects is to introduce them to new people and other boys with similar stories; so that, they can connect with other young men in their community.
Brewer said, “Volunteering is our strength as a group ;for example, the Eden Project a community garden was a great opportunity for us and our mentors to learn about community gardening.”
The Eden Project is a 1-1/2 acre organic garden that was introduced to M.M.A.D. by Mrs. Sarnia White, who is the coordinator. When Brewer first talked to the young men they mentor they were skeptical, but eventually welcomed the opportunity to be part of a community garden.
The Eden Project allowed the garden to become an outdoor classroom where the youth learned valuable skills, like those involving practical math, communication, responsibility and cooperation. As a group they harvested green peppers, hot peppers and pulled weeds, which demonstrated the importance of group work.
Brewer said, “When we look at volunteering opportunities, we look to increase a sense of community, ownership and stewardship in our youth which fosters the development of a community identity and spirit. The Eden Project had the components that were great for volunteering.”
The annual picnic that M.M.A.D. hosts every year involves great food, wonderful prizes and enlightening entertainment; which the young men are active participants. Over the summer they help provided youth and their families with help purchasing athletic apparel like cleats, uniforms, helmets and shoes.
At the start of the school year, they have a book bag give away. The group recently held a car wash to raise money for the purchase of school supplies. Over 25 men and young men worked hard washing cars for book bags and school supplies for children in our community.This year the bookbag giveaway along with a picnic will be held on September 1, 2011 at Benjamin Davis Park.
Brewer said, “It is so important that students have the essentials tools they need to be successful with their education. Some families do not have extra money in the budget to buy simple items such as note books, pens, binders and other necessary supplies that others take for granted.”
M.M.A.D. also participates in various events and fundraisers such as a pancake breakfast fundraiser, volunteering, bowling and plays.
Brewer said, ”We have the support of business owners and the community but we need to expand our reach. We can only achieve this with the help of our entire community and donations are greatly appreciated.”
He added there are so many families with young men who need the encouragement and care from a male figure. Their vision is to eventually open up a center and implement a mentoring and tutoring program.
He said that the members, Paul Tyleer, Howard Davenport, Bobby Bradford, Dylan Greer, Henry Hunt, Mari Warren, Lee Warren and Homichuel (Main) Brewer have been consistent and dedicated.
If you or anyone you know would like to participate, reccommend a child or donate, please feel free to contact them Men Making a Difference at P.O. Box 13201 Lansing, MI 48911 or call 517- 930-1041.
This was printed in the August 28, 2011 – September 10, 2011 Edition
