Program Evaluation

From the beginning we were seeing some incredible, positive changes in the boys as they moved through the BTM program. We needed a system to document and measure these changes.

In 2003 the Boys To Men Mentoring Network adopted the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version as our standard instrument for measuring our programs effectiveness. The BarOn EQ-i is based on over 20 years of research and has tested over 85,000 individuals worldwide.

Emotional Quotient(EQ) is the counterpart to Intelegence Quotient(IQ). IQ measures thinking,reasoning and logic skills. EQ measures self esteem, attitude, and people skills.

A growing body of research suggests that emotional intelligence is a key determinant of success. The EQi was first administered at our Rights of Passage Adventure weekend in Sioux City. Nine boys were given the EQi questionnaire immediately prior to the weekend and again immediately after the weekend. The pre- and post-weekend results were tabulated and the change in each area recorded.

The results were amazing. The boy’s scores on all scales increased, in some cases dramatically. To date have tested over 200 boys (see chart) and we are continuing to see proof that THIS PROGRAM WORKS.

And it works best on the boys that need it the most. The boys testing lowest on the EQ scale (see chart) before the weekend showed the most dramatic gains after the weekend.

Our Boys: Willie

Willie was eleven years old when he came to the Boys to Men weekend. His home life was violent and abusive. He suffered from physical and mental abuse for years. He seemed to be headed for disaster. He was in deep need of someone to listen, accept, and admire him.

His Own Words

Boys To Men has greatly effected my life in more ways that I could put on paper. Starting off at eleven years old feeling like I had no purpose, spending everyday filled with self hatred and misguided anger was hard because I was a lonely kid. At twelve years old I began digging my own grave literally in the canyon behind my house because I felt no one loved me. The people who did love me didn't matter because I lacked love from my mother which was where I wanted it from the most. I ran away from all the help and guidance offered to me. But by luck Boys To Men intervening was the catalyst for a change in my life so dramatic my whole being was altered. They kept pursuing me because they saw what I could not .... my true potential. Under the cold shell that I presented they saw "Magician" and "Warrior" energy that I didn't even know existed. I began seeing people in their process of emotional growth and I was amazed. I feel like now after all of the trainings that I have staffed I can look a kid in eyes who is hurting and in need of some love and I can offer them my love, experience, and wisdom. I would tell that child that

I would relay the exact message that Boys To Men gave to me.

When he first came to BTM Willie would have been considered an incorrigible juvenile delinquent by many. Through his hard work in Boys to Men, he found new self-esteem and discovered his greatness. He has made positive changes in his life and now has lofty goals and ambitions. He is a shining example of how boys at risk can prosper and thrive if we give them the support they need and deserve.

How many more Willies are out there?

A Mother's Story

My life has always been a challenge. As a single mother of a thirteen year old son, Boys to Men Mentoring organization is a sought after Blessing. When my son was ten years old, I started looking around for an organization I could trust that would help me with the up-and-coming boy/man issues that I would not know how to deal with. Two different friends suggested Boys To Men.

With my insistence, at thirteen my son Marty started attending the Sunday beach outings with the Boy To Men group. “If I could give my son what he is going to need in the next few years, I would not need you”, I told the men as I dropped my son off. They played, they talked and they ate.

I knew it was going to be difficult convincing Marty to give the organization a chance. Although a straight A student, my son was a loner that spent all his spare time playing video games or watching TV in his room. He continued to attend the group for about a year.

Then came the three days “initiation weekend” where you receive a mentor. My son returned home and seemed to be walking a foot off the ground. He was inspired. His ‘Male Door’ was now open and Marty was a part of a group of men that genuinely cared about him. He had a support system with tools and options to deal with his feelings and emotions. He had his own mentor to talk with and relate to. Marty seemed more alive and complete then he had ever been before.

I was very pleased, excited and happy to see this unfolding in front of me. I felt extremely grateful for Boys To Men Mentoring organization. What a huge benefit! My son and I are very fortunate to have found this group. Kids need role models, direction, and validation. With Boys To Men they receive all three. As the title says the organization is the bridge from ‘boys into manhood’. With out a doubt, Boys To Men has made a life long lasting impression on both my son and I.

We are truly Blessed by Boys To Men!

Please let other kids and mothers share the wonderfully positive opportunity and experience by being a part of Boys To Men. It is a winning investment in all of our futures.

Sincerely . . . . . . . Patti