Every young man deserves access to guidance, opportunity, and a community that believes in his potential.
Through the Team Mentoring Program, we have seen firsthand what becomes possible when young men are surrounded by mentors who invest in their growth. Week after week, our mentees develop confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and begin to see new pathways for their future. The impact reaches far beyond the program itself—it shapes how they see themselves, how they navigate challenges, and how they prepare to lead in their schools, careers, and communities.
Today, the demand for Team Mentoring continues to grow. Families across Indianapolis are seeking this level of support, structure, and connection for their sons. To meet this need and serve more students, we are actively expanding our program and inviting more young men to take part in this transformative experience.
This month’s stories reflect what mentorship makes possible—not only for the students we serve, but for the families and community members who stand beside them. They are reminders that when we invest in our young people, we strengthen the future of our entire community.
If you know a young man who would benefit from mentorship, encouragement, and leadership development, we encourage you to connect with us. Together, we can ensure that more students have access to the relationships and opportunities that help shape confident, capable leaders.
With gratitude,
Kraig Kinchen, MD, MScExecutive Director, 100 Black Men Indianapolis, Inc.
Recognizing Bill Mays and the Power of Investing in Community
Bill Mays understood that true success is measured not only by what you build, but by what you help others build after you. As a business leader, philanthropist, and supporter of The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Mr. Mays believed deeply in creating systems that could sustain opportunity for future generations. His commitment went beyond individual contributions. He helped strengthen the financial and institutional foundation that allows mentorship programs like Team Mentoring to grow and endure. Today, his legacy lives on through the young men gaining access to mentorship, education, and leadership development—proof that when leaders invest intentionally, their impact extends far beyond their lifetimes.
Inside Team Mentoring: Building the Foundation for Future Leaders
What does mentorship look like in practice? At The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, it begins with consistency. Over a 19-week session, young men commit their Saturdays to an environment designed to challenge, support, and prepare them—not just for school, but for life.
Through hands-on learning, leadership development, and meaningful conversations with mentors who invest their time and experience, participants gain skills that strengthen their decision-making, expand their perspective, and help them define their own path forward.
As participation continues to grow and demand remains strong, Team Mentoring stands as a powerful example of what happens when a community invests intentionally in its young people. This story explores how that investment is helping shape futures—one relationship, one lesson, and one Saturday at a time.
How Jaeden Found His Voice, Confidence, and Direction
What began as a weekly commitment became something transformative. Through mentorship, Jaeden developed stronger communication skills, academic discipline, and a deeper sense of confidence—building a foundation that will guide his future success.
How Mentorship Strengthen Ali’s Confidence and Character
When Ali joined Team Mentoring, he gained more than lessons—he gained relationships that helped shape his confidence, discipline, and vision for his future. Through mentorship and exposure to new opportunities, he began to see himself differently—and understand what he could become.