Oct. 7: Team A.N.G.E.L.

With few programs that teach Syracuse, New York’s urban youth about leadership, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution, Team A.N.G.E.L. has stepped into the breach.  Though angels are usually helpful heavenly beings, in this case the word stands for “Avoid Negative Garbage and Enjoy Life.”

Created as a way to prevent local youth from getting involved with drugs, gangs, and violence, Team A.N.G.E.L.’s founders—Eddie Mitchell Jr., Ryedell Davis, Isaiah Gregory, and Shenise Stevens—serve as positive role models and mentors for the 35 teens currently involved in the program.  They help the teens with their homework, take them bowling, teach them cooking skills, and educate them on avoiding body language that can unintentionally lead to violence.

Davis hopes to expand the program, which is funded entirely by its founders, across the state and the country.

Spread optimism, not negativity, to those around you—and you’ll be acting like an angel yourself.

You must make every effort to support your faith with goodness.  (2 Peter 1:5)

Lord, help us to be examples of hope and positivity.