Special to the Herald
Pastor Kenneth Clark, founder of Vibrant Families (VFAM) a non-profit that brings community leaders together to mentor at-risk and fatherless young men, recently joined John Crossman on The Crossman Conversation.
Pastor Clark realized his passion extended beyond preaching the gospel from a platform. It was to serve those in need, especially at-risk children facing circumstances similar to his own early upbringing with no father or male role model.
The dedicated non-profit, completing its second full year of providing nurturing environments where young boys feel valued and motivated, has now expanded their programs into two more schools, including one in Orange County.
Since spring of 2022 Clark and his mentoring team of diverse role models have been mentoring up to 50 students of Sanford’s Hamilton Elementary. By focusing on education, inspiring self-confidence and introducing new experiences, they witnessed such amazing student achievements that April 22 has been proclaimed “VFAM Day” by City of Sanford.
Seminole County Public Schools reported a growth of 30 percent in academic achievement by the Hamilton students who participated in VFAM’s programs, along with improved school attendance and reduced misconduct. This year VFAM added their mentoring programs at two more schools – Millennium Middle School in Sanford and Hungerford Elementary in Eatonville in Orange County.
Crossman said Pastor Clark will discuss the importance of mentoring fatherless young men, why that will strengthen communities, and various ways anyone can support the endeavor.
The Crossman Conversation podcast with Pastor Kenneth Clark can be heard on-demand at https://www.theshepherdradio.com/podcasts/the-crossman-conversation/
