Future Men
Location: Kirbyville, Missouri
Students: 15
Ages: 13-20
Gender: Male
Website: HelpMyBoy.com
Call for Free Help: (888) 964-2876
Call the School: (417) 546-4171
Future Men is a program working with boys between ages 15-20. The primary focus at Future Men is to help young men to grow out of troubled behaviors and grow into happy and successful young men. This change is made possible by the power of God, through Jesus Christ.This 60-acre campus is located in southwestern Missouri, right next to Bulls Shoals Lake. This setting is ideal for the work done here, and particularly the extra-curricular activities, which include hiking, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, and paintball.
Students here are provided with Biblical counseling, with particular attention paid to developing Christian characteristics and principles. As boys learn to embrace these new teachings, they discard their old ways of thinking and acting.
Boys attend five regularly scheduled group counseling sessions each week, in addition to more individualized mentoring between staff and students. God can change these young men’s lives, as has been seen time and again, no matter what they are struggling with. Future Men specializes in dealing with teenagers suffering from anger, drug use, ADD/ADHD, ODD, Asperger’s, dishonesty, stealing, immaturity, and many other issues.
Academics at Future Men are accredited through the North Central Association Commission on Schools. Core class work is done four days a week, and students are provided ample time for studying and homework. Because enrollment is capped at 15 students, boys are provided with highly individualized and structured learning environments. Electives are also provided in addition to core classes.
Work Program
It is the goal for students at Future Men to learn to follow instructions, develop an eye for detail, and show initiative in their work. These qualities will help them later in life to acquire and keep a job.
Being physically productive and having the ability to complete a task gives a young man genuine self-esteem, as opposed to the hollow false praise that society has been programmed to give. In many cases, actively contributing to society will help these young men “turn the corner” and once again have hope.
All of the work completed by a student, whether through apprenticeship or service project, is incorporated into an elective credit. The students come to understand that the work ethic they develop here contributes to who they are and what they are becoming.
Apprenticeships
Twice a week, each student works hand-in-hand with an area business as an apprentice, learning a trade skill. The tradesmen who partner with Future Men at the various apprenticeships share the same goals and desires. Students are offered a wide range of apprenticeships. Some current options include: electrical work, plumbing, real estate sales, firefighting, animal health technician, glass installation, auto painting, landscaping, airport security and service, computer programming, welding, and construction.
Service Work
Students who do not yet have an apprenticeship serve in community service projects. These students work with staff directors in preparation for their upcoming apprenticeships. The basic habits of working at a steady pace, not asking to take breaks, learning to “see” work that needs to be done, following instructions, and using/putting away the proper tools, are taught and developed in this stage. All of these traits are part of a good work ethic which is critical for young men in today’s society.
