Blog

Project SIR: African American Academic Bowl

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:39:31 GMT

MB2B Takes Second Place In
The First Annual African American
Male Academic Bowl Sponsored
by Project Still I Rise

The Dallas County Community College District, Project Still I Rise, Inc., and the University of Texas at Dallas, held its first annual African American Male Academic Bowl on the campus of El Centro/Bill J. Priest Institute on January 30, 2010.

A team from the MB2B organization participated in each tournament coached by mentors Mr. Curtis Pete and Mr. Will Pugh. Mentor Mr. Andre Boson also assisted the teams in preparing for the tournament and served as a volunteer during the event. The mentees met as a group for two months on a weekly basis to practice for the bowl. In addition, parents assisted the mentees with studying for the bowl on a daily basis.

Our team competed fiercely and honorably and came home with the second place prize. The second place prize was TI-85 Graphing Calculators and the first place prize was HP Mini Notebooks.

Texas State Senator Royce West was in attendance during the Championship Round and was so impressed with the manner in which our 6th-7th Grade Team competed that he agreed to purchase the HP Mini Netbooks for the team. View the Academic Bowl Photo Album

State Senator The Honorable Royce West Visits MB2B

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:05:59 GMT

Dallas County District 23 Texas State Senator The Honorable Royce West Visits MB2B
State Senator Royce West and several of his staff members came out to our March 27, 2010 meeting to present HP Mini Netbooks to the 6th-7th Grade Academic Bowl Team, who placed second place at the first African American Male Academic Bowl, that was sponsored by The Dallas County Community College District, Project Still I Rise, Inc., and the University of Texas at Dallas, that was held on the campus of El Centro/Bill J. Priest Institute on January 30, 2010.

Always an impactful speaker and motivator, Senator West, provided words of encouragement and empowerment to our mentees and parents. Senator West profoundly stated that as our MB2B Mentors stand in support our Mentees, he would stand in support of them.

The Mentoring Brother 2 Brother organization wishes to humbly thank Senator West and his staff for their generous donation and on-going support of our organization.

May_June10 eNewsletter

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:32:12 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:
Concord Iron Sharpens Iron Golf Tournament

How you can support MB2B in local and national Mentoring programs and initiatives-

Volunteer with MB2B

Support Michael Baisden in the One Million Mentors Tour
Make A Tax Deductible Donation

In-Kind Donations MB2B is currently seeking In-Kind Donations and Individual Sponsors for various fund-raising efforts for our current fiscal year.

Please contact us at info@MB2B.org to find out how you may partner with us in this effort.

During these tough economic times MB2B wishes to again express our deepest gratitude for your continued financial support and commitment.

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother, Inc. is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

All contributions will be formally acknowledged.

More MB2B Information & Resources

Concord Baptist Church Men’s Ministry

MB2B Blog

MB2B Fact Sheet

African American Male Academic Bowl – A team from MB2B took Second Place in Aiming for the Stars First African American Male Academic Bowl in January 2010.

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother, Inc.
PO Box 2702
Cedar Hill, TX 75106-2702

W:http://MB2B.org E:info@mb2b.org P:972.345.9194

MB2B May/June10 eNewsletter
Empowering African American Young Men through Mentoring and Leadership Development

Concord Church Iron Sharpens Iron Golf Tournament
June 18, 2010
Tangle Ridge Golf Course Grand Prairie, Texas

The Men’s Ministry of Concord Church in Dallas is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of men of all ages. Concord along with MB2B wishes to request that you support us in this mission by serving as a sponsor for our Iron Sharpens Iron Golf Tournament. This year’s golf tournament will be held on Friday, June 18, 2010 at the Tangle Ridge Golf Course in Grand Prairie, Texas. We are currently seeking tournament sponsors of financial contributions toward this effort. There are several sponsorship levels available and we are accepting gift certificates and/or golf related times (equipment, towels, tees, golf balls, etc.) to be used for awards and prizes for tournament participants. Allocated proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit the Mentoring Brother 2 Brother organization. Click here to Download Iron Sharpens Iron Golf Tournament Sponsorship Packet

MB2B Washington DC Trip
MB2B is currently seeking financial support to defray the costs on a tentatively scheduled Educational & Cultural Enrichment trip in early July 2010 to Washington, DC.
Our tentative Washington, DC itinerary includes visits to the White House, with a hopeful visit with President Barack Obama; Howard University, the National Museum of African Art, the Smithsonian, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library and the Lincoln Memorial.

Through numerous personal In-Kind and generous financial donations as well as several organizational fundraising events in 2008, MB2B was able to take our first out of state Educational & Cultural Enrichment trip to Atlanta, GA. For many of our mentees this trip was not only their first travel by air, but their first trip out of the State of Texas. The impact of that trip still resonates with any of our program Mentees. Click here to view our ATL Photo AlbumWe look forward to your partnership and support with this effort – Make your online DONATION NOW or download DC Mentee Sponsorship Packet

MB2B 2010-11 Mentee Application Packets
The Mentoring Brother 2 Brother program is a 12-month faith-based, mentoring, leadership and youth program starting in September of each year.

Currently, we only accept new mentee program applications annually during the month on August. Please check our website in early June 2010 for MB2B application information and the downloadable application packet. Click here to download our MB2B Informational brochure.

MB2B Fact Sheet_March10

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:52:37 GMT

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother Fact Sheet - March 2010

Click here to download our latest Fact Sheet

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother, Inc. is a Dallas, Texas area based 501c3 non-profit organization, created in 1999 to provide mentoring, leadership, character and life development skills to disenfranchised and at-risk African American young men within the South Dallas and surrounding metroplex communities.

MB2B 2009 TAKS Score Results
Implemented in spring 2003, TAKS is the primary state assessment of academic skills. TAKS is designed to measure core areas of the state-mandated curriculum, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). TAKS tests are administered annually to students in specified subjects at grades 3 through 10 and at the exit level beginning at grade 11. MB2B tutoring programs offers program participates targeted studies materials for overall academic excellence as well as supplementary TAKS educational curriculum.

83% of program participants passed the Math TAKS with 5 participates receiving Commended Performance.

96% of program participates passed the Reading TAKS with 6 participates receiving Commended Performance.

67% of program participated passed the Science TAKS with 2 participates receiving Commended Performance.

100% of grade focused participated passed the Social Studies TAKS.

100% of grade focused participates passed the Writing TAKS with 3 participants receiving Commended Performance. 100% of grade focused participates passed the History TAKS.

TAKS Test Standards
The following gives a brief description of the standards used on the TAKS test.

Commended Performance. This category represents high academic achievement. Students in this category performed at a level that was considerably above the state passing standard. Students demonstrated a thorough understanding of the knowledge and skills measured at this grade.

Met Standard. This category represents satisfactory academic achievement. Students in this category performed at a level that was at or somewhat above the state passing standard. Students demonstrated a sufficient understanding of the knowledge andskills measured at this grade.

Corporate Sponsors & Grant Funding

Corporate Sponsors
2000 thru 2009

Center for Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery
Concord Baptist Church
Glaziers
Pepsi Bottling Group of North Texas
Proverbs Consulting
The Foundation of Community Empowerment
University of North Texas—Dallas Campus

Grant Funding 2005 thru 2009

Bank of America Chartable Foundation Local Hero (MB2B Co-Founder Ray Schufford Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI), $5,000

Radio Shack, StreetSentz Community Grant, $250

TJX Foundation, $5,000

Wachovia Foundation, $1,500

Wal-Mart Foundation, $5,000

Motorola Foundation, $5,000

Verizon Foundation, $200

Raytheon Foundation, $1,000

Texas Instruments, $2,000

Target, $500

Texas Instruments, $1,500

Friendship West Baptist Church, $4,000

MB2B Receives Texas National Guard Honor

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:58:38 GMT

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother Receives Texas Army National Guard Honor

From the left: Ray Schufford, Sergeant Major Norwood-Hembry, Matt Carroll, Terrence Chase

March 2009 – Texas Army National Guard – Dallas, Texas - As a part of an ongoing program honoring exemplary citizens in the greater Dallas community, the Texas Army National Guard and the Dallas Mavericks honored mentors Terrance Chase and Ray Schufford as "Hometown Heroes" during a half time presentation at the Dallas Maverick's March 12, 2009 basketball game. Both Chase and Schufford co-founded Mentoring Brother 2 Brother in 1999 as a way to provide mentoring and bring leadership skills to at-risk African American men in South Dallas.

According to Major Laura Jane Stephens, the Texas Army National Guard began their Hometown Hero program as a way to honor heroes in our midst. "So often, ordinary people are doing extraordinary things in our communities. It is our pleasure to honor some of these selfless people," Stephens said.

Friends of Terri Haiti Support Mission

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:21:56 GMT

Who We Are: Friends of Terri Haiti Support Mission

Download Friends of Terri Hati Support Mission Info

Introduction: Pastor Luc Deratus is the founding pastor of Harmony Ministries in Port Au Prince Haiti. Pastor Deratus while attending Christ for the Nations Church in Dallas became a member of Concord Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Dr. E.K. Bailey. After leaving Dallas, Pastor Deratus established four churches in Haiti and were adopted and supported by the Concord Church.

As some of my Friends know, a few years ago, I was blessed to be a part of a twelve member medical missionary team who traveled to Port Au Prince, met and worshiped with Pastor Luc and his congregation. I will always remember the experience and the kindness bestowed on us by the Haitian Community. On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Haiti experienced an earthquake that was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake. The International Red Cross estimated that about three million people were affected by the quake and as of January 24, 2010 the confirmed death toll is over 150,000. This great loss also directly affected, Pastor Luc, and his family who lost everything, three of his four churches in the Haiti area were destroyed.

Update from Ken Smith – 01/23/2010: Pastor Luc Deratus is still in Port au Prince (PAP), Haiti, with only clothes on his back. The government is asking people to move from PAP to the countryside because of the possible spread of disease from all the dead bodies and the sewage from human waste. Pastor Luc has made his way to Leogone and back to PAP yesterday where he had another church. The entire town was destroyed, but no church members died. There is very little food/water, but the situation improves almost daily. As the national news coverage of this tragic event has been outstanding, actually being on the ground in the midst of death, devastation and ruin is something that cannot be covered by TV cameras. The smell of death is everywhere and is very nauseating, thus Pastor Luc has not been eating as he should. He will attempt to make his way back to Miami after he has checked on the other churches (in the villages of Thoman and LaSalle). The church in PAP collapsed during the quake and killed 8 church members during mid-week services, which has saddened Pastor Luc tremendously.

Mission & Purpose: To provide spiritual, financial and supportive counsel to the family of Pastor Luc Deratus, in the form of quarterly gift cards, other financial resources, telephone calls. letters, email, cards and prayers.

Donation Focus, Process and Follow-up:
1. Terri Adams has identified 12 spiritually blessed virtuous and phenomenal friends who will commit for 12 months to support the needs of Ronide Deratus, wife of Pastor Luc Deratus devastated by the earth quake. Pastor Luc Deratus is the founding pastor of Harmony Ministries in Port Au Prince, Haiti.

2. Contributions will be based on the donor's financial resources. There currently is no minimum dollar limit on the gift card contributions.

3. Gift cards will be provided quarterly to be purchased from the preferred list of merchants below.

a. Target – http://www.target.com/b/ref=nav_giftcards/185-9436493-4033907?_encoding=UTF8&node=14061591

b. Wal Mart – http://www.walmart.com/cp/Gift-Cards/96894

c. Publix Super Market – http://www.publix.com/services/gift/GiftCertificates.do

d. Kmart – http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/gc_Physical_10151_10104?adCell=A2

4. All Friends will agree to commit to the effort for a period of 12 months. After which each person will be able to then determine if they desire to further commit.

5. Sister Deratus will be responsible for using the cards as she deem appropriate for the support of her family (immediate and extended), and Harmony church family in Haiti and the North Miami Beach, Florida areas.

6. As the Friends of Terri Haiti Support Mission is currently not a non-profit organization or a designed IRS 501c3 non-profit, thus any contributions to this effort are not tax deductible. However, all contributions will be formally acknowledged by email or mail.

7. In an effort to Go Green there will be two options in your donation efforts:Gift cards will be mailed to:

Terri Adams
c/o Friends of Terri Haiti Support Mission
721 Wedgewood Drive
DeSoto, TX 75115

8. Go Green donation option, save time, gas and postage: Purchase gift cards online (see links above) and send directly to Terri Adams at the mailing address listed above. You may also email Terri at taste.matters@yahoo.com for more information.

9. Due Dates of Gift Card to Terri Adams:
~~Quarter 1: February 24, 2010~~
Quarter 2: May 24, 2010
Quarter 3: August 24, 2010
Quarter 4: November 24, 2010

Ken Smith, who is in direct contact with Pastor Luc Deratus will provide email updates on the progress of the family, the church and Haiti.

Terri Adams will provide a quarterly update on the progress of the support mission.

I wish to thank each of you again for your commitment to this effort. The devastation experienced by the Haitian people can be felt by all of us. I honor your partnership with me as I make this small effort to help encourage the re-building of lives and hope of better days ahead for Pastor Luc, Sister Rondie and the Harmony churches and surrounding communities. The Haitian people are strong in faith and spirit for the many years of determination and perseverance it will take to rebuild. You are now part of that process. God’s continued best blessing to you

Terri L. Adams
Visionary – Friends of Terri Haiti Support Mission

Friendship West Donation

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:29:40 GMT

On November 1, 2009 the Mentoring Brother 2 Brother organization received a $4,000 financial gift from the Friendship West Baptist Church and senior pastor Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III.

MB2B was one of two local organizations that received this recognition for programs that directly impact at-risk and minority youth in the Dallas metroplex area. The MB2B Board of Directors along with co-founders, Mr. Terrence Chase and Mr. Ray Schufford are extremely humbled by this tangible gesture of genorisity.

<Visit the Friendship West Baptist Church website>

Bells Beneath My Pillow

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:46:44 GMT

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother is pleased to announce that organizational co-founder V. Ray Schufford has self-publish his first novel entitled “Bells Beneath My Pillow” which was available in August 2009.

His second novel, "Take It Off--Unmasking the Hero Within You" should be available by late Fall 2010.

You may order a copy of these great books by contacting Mr. Schufford at shoeray@gmail.com for more information.

MB2B Project 1000

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:13:49 GMT

Partner With MB2B Become A Project 1000 Monthly Donor

Become A Monthly Donor
Impact the future leaders of tomorrow—today by making a financial investment that will have an immeasurable return. MB2B utilizes PayPal for its online donation processing.

Project 1000 is the MB2B Monthly Donor fund development strategy. We are currently seeking 1000 active monthly donors to partner with us to further our current and future organizational mission and goals. Contact us at info@MB2B.org for more information or click here <Donate> to make a donation now.

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother, Inc. is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. All contributions will be formally acknowledged.

MB2B ATL Trip

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:55:14 GMT

As part of the organization's annual team-building project, MB2B took selected Mentees on their first out of state educational and cultural awareness trip to Atlanta, GA during early August 2008. MB2B would like to give a special thanks to Mentor Will Pugh for his sacrifice of time and talent to our organization and for participating in this first trip to Atlanta. Visit our online photo album to view some of pictures Mr. Pugh has captured during this trip - http://mb2b.shutterfly.com/71

2009 American Cancer Society Relay For Life

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:19:59 GMT

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother will participate in the 2009 Relay For Life - South Dallas, TX April 17, 2009 at PC Cobb Stadium.

This is the fifth year MB2B has supported and participated in this important event. For more information visit the Relay For Life – South Dallas webpage - http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=17447

MB2B Amazon Wish List

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:50:08 GMT

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother has developed a Wish List with amazon.com for reading and literary resources by such authors as President Barack Obama, Hill Harper, Denzel Washington and Tavis Smiley. MB2B would like to thank Ms. Scott of Dallas, TX who generously donated two copies of The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by President Barack Obama

Click the following link or wish list link on the right- http://amzn.com/w/2CZ2JDTEE9EYT to partner with MB2B to increase and enhance the reading skills of our program Mentees.

Community Missionary Baptist Church

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:33:14 GMT

MB2B Founders Terrence Chase and Ray Schufford were part of an engaging community panel hosted by the Young Audt and Core Adult Ministries of the Community Missionary Baptist Church on March 14, 2009. The event called "The Alternative" was an exciting event that along with our MB2B founders comprised a panel of dynamic speakers who discussed real life strategies for the event themed topic of "Reaching the Next Generation: Creating a Movement of Change."

Topics included:
Community Outreach: “Does your light shine outside of the sanctuary?”
Mentoring: “Where is the Village?”
Homosexuality: “Why the modern church won’t address it, and what can we do to help?”
Identity: “Does the modern day Baptist Church struggle with an identity crisis of its own? Who are we; understanding our REAL purpose in the community.”

Other panel of speakers included:
Pastor Oscar D. Epps, Sr. of the Community Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Willie J. Bolden of These are They Baptist Church
Pastor Marcus D. King, Senior Pastor of Johnson Chapel Baptist Church
Ms. Tiffinni A. Young, Candidate for Dallas City Council- District 5.

The moderator for this event was K104 FM radio personality, Lady Jade. For more information about this event, please conact, Christie Bell, Community Missionary Baptist Church at cmbcyoungadultevents@gmail.com

HNJ09 Basketball Camp

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:35:11 GMT

2009 Hotter N July 9th Annual Basketball Camp - Rescheduled

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother is pleased to announce that our HNJ09 Basketball Camp has had a reprieve and will be rescheduled for July 6-9, 2009 at the Tommie M. Allen Recreation Center in East Oak Cliff.

Please check our website on Monday, May 18, 2009 for more information and to download the HNJ09 Camp Packet.

Currently we have 25 Early Bird camp slots open for $100.00 through June 10, 2009. Please contact us at info@mb2b.org for more information on our Early Bird Registration Special.

MB2B wishes to thank our corporate sponsor Pepsi North Texas for their support of our HNJ08 Camp.

MB2B Mentee Application Process

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:58:06 GMT

The Mentoring Brother 2 Brother program is a 12-month faith-based, mentoring, leadership and youth program starting in September of each year.

Click one of the links below to download our 2010-11 MB2B Mentee application that must be completed and returned to the Mentoring Brother 2 Brother organization by August 16, 2010.

All information obtained from the application processes and interviews will remain confidential and property of Mentoring Brother 2 Brother, Inc.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Mentees who participated in our 2009-10 Program will be contacted directly of their inclusion status for the upcoming program year by Mentoring Brother 2 Brother by early September.

All applications for our 2010-2011 program year are due Monday, August 16, 2010 – no exceptions. Your application packets are to be mailed to:

MB2B – 2010 Mentee Application
PO Box 2702
Cedar Hill, TX 75106-2702

Please contact Dr. Tamara Johnson at info@MB2B.org if you have questions about the application processes or application packet.

Applicant Mentees that are approved for the next level of the application process will be invited to attend with their parent/guardian a Parental Informational Meeting that will be held in mid-September at the Concord Church.

Please note, new for our 2010-11 program year, MB2B will implement a $25.00 non-refundable program fee for enrolled participants. Program fees will be due October 2, 2010 - No Exceptions.

Download 2010-11 MB2B Program Application from our Website or in
PDF Format or Word Format

MB2B Our Neighbor Segment on WFAA-Channel 8

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:38:49 GMT

The Mentoring Brother 2 Brother Program was highlighted on the Our Neighbor news segment on WFAA-Channel 8.

Click the following link to view the video - http://www.wfaa.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=337700&noad=yes&shu=1

R'Kes Starling Iron Sharpens Iron Golf Outing

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:38:43 GMT

The Second Annual Iron Sharpens Iron Golfing Event was held Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the well-manicured Mansfield National Golf Club in Mansfield, Texas. Iron Sharpens Iron Golf Tournament founder and host, Mr. R.Kes Starling graciously invited the young men of Mentoring Brother 2 Brother, Inc. to the tournament as special guests for a great day of golf, fun, networking and fellowship, and has generously committed an allocated donation from the proceeds of this event. <View Photo Album from this event>

Target Grant

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:24:16 GMT

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother is pleased to annouce its receipt of a eduational grant from Target. The organizaton would like give special acknowledgment to MB2B Mentor Mr. Andre Boson for his efforts in coordinating this grant opportunity.

Read Press Release

Texas Instruments Grant

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:24:40 GMT

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother received an educational and youth leadership grant from Texas Instruments. We wish to thank MB2B board member Mr. Tim Williams for his leadership and coordination in obtaining this grant that will allow our organization to expand our programs in these critical youth development areas.

MB2B New Website

Mentoring Brother 2 Brother — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:02:40 GMT

MB2B was one of 20 local non-profits chosen to participate in We Are Microsoft Charity Challenge. Our orgnaization had an awesome team of developers who traveled from Fort Smith, Arkansas to develop our new website that should launch in early February.

For more informaton about the WAM Charity Challenge visit their website - http://wearemicrosoft.com/WAM/Home.aspx

Fort Smith Development Team from the left Mr Shane McWater, Mr Michael Paladino, Dr Tamara Johnson, MB2B Board Chairman, Mr Vivek Shamura and Mr Anthony Potts