National Mentoring Month event Speaker underscores the importance of Mentoring Youth to build good character.

ATLANTA - Jan. 25, 2014 - PRLog -- Accomplished Sportsman, Inspirational Speaker & Author Inky Johnson recently addressed a group of youth to mark National Mentoring Month at a South Atlanta School.

The event’s host THE DUKES FOUNDATION isfocused on removing the label “At Risk” from being attached to youth. For over eleven years they have mentored and positively impacted the lives and future of hundreds of youth throughout metro Atlanta. Seventeen of these young men are now excelling in Colleges and Universities nationwide. In addition to mentoring youth their families have also benefitted from assistance provided by THE DUKES FOUNDATION during periods of hardship. This is evidence that Mentoring works in Atlanta.

In his address, the keynote speaker Author and Inspirational Speaker, Inky Johnson reminded his large audience of youth the importance of developing good character. "I'm blessed to have played at the University of Tennessee, it taught me a lot of lessons in life," Johnson said. "It made me a better man and molded and shaped my character in a lot of different ways I don't think could have happened without the game of football. That's what I try to tell people nowadays, that the game of football is a direct correlation to life. Inky Johnson earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Tennessee. He played college football and has now authored a book. He travels around the region for book signings and delivering guest speeches at various functions.

Inky has commended the work, dedication and commitment of Horace Dukes, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Dukes Foundation. Mr. Dukes is an 11 Alive Community Service Awardee (who received his honor for his dedication to the advancement of youth development. Horace and his team of Volunteers tirelessly work to advance the quality of life in urban communities.

The Dukes Foundation’s Mentoring Program is evidenced-based. Anyone desiring to witness the impact of weekly programs of THE DUKES FOUNDATION may do so on a Tuesday evening during one of the mentoring exercise (by listening to the Mentees present and past.) Additionally, their deportment and articulation speaks volumes of what they have learned and experienced. The Mentees in the Dukes Foundation’s Program have been commended by numerous Atlanta and South Carolina Public Leaders and Churches.

National Mentoring Month is celebrated in January. Over 4.5 million youth are enrolled in mentoring programs. Emerging Organizations with a population of fewer than 200 mentees like THE DUKES FOUNDATION depends solely on the generosity of individuals and a few businesses to fund their programs. This has restricted their ability to cover more areas in Metro Atlanta. The Foundation is encouraging individuals and corporations to lend their support and become Champions of our youth’s future. The cost to sponsor a Mentee per day is a mere $2.33 which is far less than the $271 per day that it cost the State to confine each delinquent juvenile. Donors may contribute easily by visiting the foundation’s website.

THE DUKES FOUNDATION (CORPORATION), is an accredited 501 ©(3) Non Profit Service Organization that offers an effective mentoring program on a regular basis through support obtained from Professional, Business and Civic Organizations. Their mentoring program includes; Academic Coaching, Career Development Workshops, Wellness Sessions, Cultural Exposure Tours and Motivational Exercises that have contributed to the transformation of many lives. Bearing the acronym, D.U.K.E.S, Developing Urban Kids with Etiquette and Self-Esteem, DUKES FOUNDATION remain committed to using MENTORING to elevate social conditions and reduce the level of violence committed by teens. To view our documentary and trailer videos please paste the following links into your computer browser:

For additional information call Tuqwan Jordan at 404-419-6452, email dukesfoundation@dukesfoundation.org

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