YBS Mentoring makes positive impact on youth

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llen Guy didn’t enjoy a storybook childhood. Early life chapters were filled with things like an absent father, exposure to drugs and an infant brother who died in his arms.

He was raised by a strong, loving mother who worked three jobs. She tried to make sure that he did the right things, and she disciplined him when he didn’t.

But as he got older, Allen drifted into waters that eventually led to a stint in jail and completion of a rehabilitation program for drug addiction.

It was during his time in rehab that the idea came to him. He wanted to do something with his life that would positively influence young men in the community.

“I came to the realization that I needed to change my life. My goal was to help others so that they didn’t make some of the same mistakes I made and didn’t have to go through some of the things that I went through,” Allen said.

That’s how YBS Mentoring was born. 

“YBS stands for young, blessed and saved. I was given another chance at life, and serving as a positive male role model for these young kids is the thing that drives me,” said Allen, who turns 31 in September.

Leading by example

He has been walking the talk the past four years as the non-profit organization’s leader.

Classes held two Saturdays a month in Baytown cover topics ranging from the basics of how to shave and tie a necktie, to taking a personal life inventory and the importance of respect.

Sessions also have touched on the dangers of drugs.

“You’d be surprised at how many young people in our area are smoking meth, doing cocaine and openly talking about it,” Allen said. “Some of these kids may have older siblings who think it’s cool. So we try to show them why it’s really not cool and why it’s important to make smarter decisions.”

While more than 60 boys have filled out applications and attended classes, YBS has a core group of about 20 active regulars. They meet at 2401 N. Alexander in a facility provided by Baytown Housing Authority.

With the help of parents and other interested individuals, and support from local businesses, YBS holds charity events throughout the year. Activities have included serving hot meals to homeless people, and collecting and delivering gifts to needy families for Christmas.

Proud moments

Allen is thrilled to watch kids grow from their YBS experiences. Topping his list is 17-year-old Chris Cerino, who now serves in a junior mentor role.

“I continue going to the classes to learn, but I also enjoy being a positive role model and someone the other kids can turn to for help,” said Chris, a Goose Creek Memorial High School student who is involved in more than a dozen clubs and organizations.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from YBS is the importance of staying humble, presenting yourself well, and being a respectable member of the community. When I hear people tell me, ‘You’re such a nice young man, I wish more young people were like you,’ it’s really a compliment to Mr. Allen for all the things he’s taught us.”

Allen emphasizes that his relationship with the young men in YBS is a two-way street.

“As a person, as a man, I still have my struggles. I still go through things in life every day, like everyone else. So these guys are really my therapy,” he said. “Some of these kids think I help them a lot. But honestly, they’re really helping me, inspiring me, at the same time.”

When Allen was growing up, he had what he calls a “weekend dad.” 

“Some weekends he was there and some he wasn’t. Sometimes I’d be sitting on the curb waiting for him to pick me up, like in the movies, but dad would never show up,” he said. 

“So my number one rule with YBS is that I will never leave your child’s life. I will stay involved. I won’t do what my dad did to me.”

Anyone interested in becoming involved with YBS Mentoring can contact Allen Guy through the organization’s Facebook page.