NEW ORLEANS — Son of a Saint, the nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring mentorship and transforming the lives of New Orleans’ fatherless boys, has received a $30,000 grant from the Allstate Foundation. The contribution marks the second consecutive grant awarded to the youth development program, year over year, as well as a commitment of volunteer time from Allstate employees. The continued relationship will serve to enhance service-learning opportunities, as well as community improvement experiences, in collaboration with Son of a Saint’s mentees.
“We’re proud to work with an organization that provides mentorship, support, and helps cultivate life skills and positive peer relationships during such a critical time in boys’ lives,” said Allstate spokesperson Andrea Richard. “At Allstate, we believe in empowering youth and helping create the next generation of leaders. That’s why we’re so honored to be able to support such an amazing cause.”
Funding from The Allstate Foundation will help Son of a Saint expand its slate of program resources, including infrastructure improvements and advanced tools to match boys with critical resources and support. Allstate agents will also have the opportunity to assist in virtual programming and service opportunities throughout the year, which often run on volunteer support alone.
“Since I came from a fatherless home, this organization pulled at my heart strings. Over the last several years watching, learning and participating with this organization, I got my market team involved and, later, our region,” said Allstate sales leader Mike Singler. “The work Son of a Saint does with fatherless youth cannot be measured in dollars and cents. I couldn’t be prouder that we’re partners.”
Son of a Saint Founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee III notes, “We are incredibly grateful to Allstate for this sustained partnership and belief in Son of a Saint’s mission. This level of support is critical as we continue our growth and we fulfill the promise of helping our boys develop into self-sufficient, contributing men. We’re coming together to build a safer, brighter and stronger New Orleans.”
In 2021, Son of a Saint plans to increase its mentee enrollment to reach 200 fatherless boys across Greater New Orleans, providing them programming and services ranging from academic enrichment to mental health and wellness support to recreational opportunities.
Son of a Saint takes an individualized approach to supporting mentees between the ages of 10-18, almost all of whom are fatherless due to death or incarceration. For more information about Son of a Saint visit www.sonofasaint.org. Son of a Saint also welcomes contributions which can be mailed to 2803 Saint Philip St., New Orleans, LA 70119. Follow Son of a Saint on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter via @sonofasaintorg for live updates about the organization and its participants.
