Men of Courage mentoring group holds community open house in Lorain

A mentoring group for men has reopened their doors to the public.

Men of Courage held a community open house July 15 inside Sunset Terrace at Lakeview Park in Lorain.

Founded by Anthony B. Jones, the group aims to develop men to become priests in their homes as well as leaders and role models in the community.

Jones, a native of Lorain, lived in Columbus when he began the organization in 2010.

“We started out as a men’s group,” he said. “We focused on trying to help men become better fathers and husbands, and it eventually grew into the youth aspect.”

The organization currently operates in multiple series: men’s development; youth mentoring; and community.

“We are primarily a school-based mentoring program,” Jones said. “Our signature is the youth piece.”

In an attempt to reach youth outside of the schools, Men of Courage does mentoring at the Harrison Cultural Community Centre in Lorain twice a month on Saturdays.

Although Jones has relocated to Lorain, Men of Courage still operates in Columbus.

Jones said he has aspirations to become a state-wide organization.

“I’ve always wanted to have a presence in all counties inside Ohio, and this is the beginning of that expansion,” he said.

The Lorain County chapter has 10 mentors of different backgrounds, but with a common interest to help develop men.

“We’re trying to work together to keep kids off the street and make better decisions,” Jones said.

He said Men of Courage also partnered with Lorain Professional Firefighters Local 267 and the Lorain Police Department.

Jones said he hopes to provide opportunities for young men to explore these career pathways and interact with the person behind the uniform.

He said he hopes the group will help and impact young men to grow up to become mentors themselves.

“As we plant a seed into the lives of these men and grow older, I hope that they will want to take over and continue the legacy,” Jones said.

Interested participants can contact Jones at 216-307-2277.