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Institute of R.H.Y.M.E.S. adjusts male mentorship program during pandemic

Featured photo: John Rhymes

Founded by founder and executive director John Rhymes, the Institute of R.H.Y.M.E.S. (Reaching and Helping Young Minorities to Excel and Succeed) agenda is to promote powerful and positive images of young men in leadership, academics and public service.

The Institute of R.H.Y.M.E.S Men of Excellence Program offers mentoring, building confidence, networking opportunities, monthly incentives, brotherhood, performing arts skills, tours to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) tours and more. It is available for young men ages 12 and up. The Institute of R.H.Y.M.E.S. objective is to promote excellence, discipline and responsibility in every life endeavor. Its vision is changing attitudes and changing lives.

Founded in 2002, the Institute of R.H.Y.M.E.S. is charged with reaching and helping young minorities excel and succeed. The organization’s mission is to equip future generations with productive tools and resources to be successful in life.

The Institute of R.H.Y.M.E.S. seeks to change attitudes and change lives through active and engaged mentorship that promotes powerful and positive images of young men in leadership, achievement and public service.

When both of founder Rhymes parents passed away in his youth, he was taken in and raised by his Aunt Vinnie Gilmore. Since Gilmore did not have the opportunity to learn to read or write, after high school, Rhymes was unwavering in his quest to help other African Americans. He has served as a big brother to many young men through the Big Brother Big Sisters program. Having been a recipient of help himself, he has been willing to extend his hand to others.

After Rhymes was accepted at Mississippi Valley State University and he arrived at the university, he discovered was just short of the funds needed to attend class. He returned home and while at church on the next Sunday, his pastor asked him why he was there. When Rhymes told him he didn’t have enough money to take classes, the pastor made call to a man he knew at MSVU who could provide Rhymes a work-study job.

No stranger to hard work, Rhymes has also worked as a teacher and school principal himself, as well and as a social service field worker. In addition, he served as director of the Sylvester Broome Center. The center’s mission includes working to empower the youth in Flint and their communities to give them a voice in the world, according to its website.

The Institute of RHYMES program has adapted itself because of the pandemic in order that services can continue to be provided.

“I’ve been doing virtual sessions which has caused me not to cover as many young men because of the fact before that I was going into the schools,” Rhymes said. “I was going into afterschool programs. So, I can’t do those kinds of things now as much as I was doing at that time. So, the change has been I’m still doing Virtual Monday.”

Rhymes recently finished doing a presentation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day for January 18 for the Flint Public Library. He met with three young men with whom he mentors three times last week for this upcoming event.

“My whole life has been centered around working with young men,” he said. “I’m an educator by degree. When I was teaching I worked with young ladies. I’ve done some things with young ladies with the young men. But, lately I have not. That was back in the early years of my mentoring. Now, I basically work with young men.”

Rhymes has opening for new mentorships.

“I will take as many as I can get. I am definitely wanting more young men.”

For details about the Institute of R.H.Y.M.E.S., call 810-931-9200.

To give to the Institute of RHYMES in honor of Rhymes; recent birthday and the holiday season, visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/institute-of-rhymes-season-of-giving?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

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