The WHY Initiative Inc. mentoring organization was founded in 2017 in response to a need to improve the quality of life for low-income, underserved, disadvantaged and at-risk children, youth and families in the Jackson MS metropolitan area. The WHY Initiative’s mission is to improve the community through Wealth, Health and our Youth. Founded by Antonio Knight, Kinoy Brown and Candace Mayes, they were brought together by a common belief that many youths in their communities lacked meaningful academic and career guidance. The organization mission is to develop career minded, skill driven citizens by educating youth through workforce and training programs that will impact their communities. The organization will provide professional services in the areas of financial and wealth management workshops, school-based educational consulting, tutorial services, employment training, program management, community and economic development. The WHY Initiative Inc. seeks to bridge youth and the community through vocational opportunities and experiences. Since opening its doors, the WHY Initiative Inc. has developed strong partnerships with the local businesses, community, media, school districts, and other youth–serving organizations in the community. The WHY Initiative Inc.’s mentoring program provides positive, caring, committed adult role models for children between the ages of 8 -18 years of age. 

 

Mentoring is a structured, sustained, developmental relationship between a young person and a caring individual, with the goal of offering support, building character, and promoting healthy youth development. By being a positive role model, a mentor can help motivate a child to learn and achieve. Mentoring relationships provide children with the ability to develop their strengths and coping skills, create new opportunities, make healthy choices and ultimately achieve their full potential by supporting resiliency. The presence of a caring mentor has been shown to provide support, boost self-esteem, assist in enhancing social skills, and help the child acquire a greater commitment to academic success. 

 

Meet the W.H.Y. Initiative, Inc. team!