Building Brotherhood Through Mentorship and Service
Beta Theta Achievement Foundation Mentors Young Men in Denver’s East Colfax Community
For young men navigating the transition to adulthood, mentorship can be most valuable when it begins with the simple act of listening.
Beta Theta Achievement Foundation (BTAF) was all ears in Denver’s East Colfax neighborhood on Aug. 1, when members spent the day connecting with young men at Street Fraternity. The grassroots nonprofit creates a supportive space for young men ages 14 to 25, offering mentorship, community and opportunities for personal growth. The visit brought the two organizations together around a shared goal to help young men feel heard, supported and better equipped to pursue their goals.
Foundation members centered the conversation on the young men themselves, inviting them to share their goals, aspirations and the challenges they have encountered along the way.
“Too often, adults approach young people with a fixed idea of what they should become, without first taking the time to understand who they already are — their personality, their emotional world, their own hopes for their future,” says Colorado native JJ Holmes, an officer with the Beta Theta Achievement Foundation.
“Once you truly know those things, you can meet a young man where he stands and guide him in a way that speaks directly to his needs.”
Meeting Young Men Where They Are
Founded in 2013 by Yoal Ghebremeskel and others, Street Fraternity has established a space in East Colfax where young men, many of whom are Black and brown, can find support, build relationships and develop tools for navigating adulthood.
The organization’s work made it a natural partner for BTAF, whose mission includes promoting financial literacy, narrowing the digital divide and supporting healthier communities.
The foundation places particular emphasis on supporting Black male college students in Colorado through academic encouragement, financial support and attention to mental and physical well-being. Its members are also affiliated with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. through chapters at colleges and universities across Colorado, carrying forward the fraternity’s emphasis on achievement and service.
On Aug. 1, the focus was less on institutions and more on relationships.
During informal discussion sessions, foundation members talked with Street Fraternity participants about their own experiences, setbacks and ambitions. Just as importantly, they created space for the young men to talk about theirs.
Among those participating was Jeffrey John Holmes, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi who attended alongside his father, JJ Holmes. Closer in age to Street Fraternity’s participants than many of the other mentors, the younger Holmes offered connection grounded in the experiences and decisions young adults are currently navigating.
His presence demonstrated the importance of discipline and goal setting when pursuing opportunities that lead to achievement.
Service Beyond the Conversation
The day of service and listening emphasized that mentorship can be demonstrated through action.
After conversations and a shared lunch, members of both organizations headed into the surrounding East Colfax neighborhood to clean alleyways and areas around nearby buildings.
For Eman McNeal, a foundation member who traveled to Denver to participate, the service project was an extension of the message foundation members hoped to leave with the young men.
“As a Kappa, community service isn’t just something I do. It’s a cornerstone of what it means to live a meaningful life. I wanted these young men to understand that caring for your community and leading in your own way go hand in hand,” says McNeal.
“No matter what negativity surrounds you, you have the power to cultivate beauty and purpose within your own life. And we’re here to help them do exactly that.”
The cleanup provided a critical lesson in community ownership, modeling leadership that addresses immediate needs. For some, that may mean mentoring young people, setting personal goals or helping improve the surrounding community.
Investing More Than Money
The day concluded with BTAF members distributing backpacks filled with school and organizational supplies to Street Fraternity participants.
The supplies were practical; but the larger investment was one of time and presence.
Both BTAF and Street Fraternity work with young people who may rarely encounter spaces designed to hear their perspectives. Instead of focusing on traditional mentorship models, they offer consistency, trust and exposure to adults and peers who provide guidance while recognizing the value and individuality of each individual.
The Aug. 1 gathering offered an example of what it looks like when conversations are followed by service, and mentorship is rooted in listening to what young people envision for themselves.
About Beta Theta Achievement Foundation
Beta Theta Achievement Foundation works to expand opportunity and strengthen communities through financial literacy, technology access, health equity and social support.
The organization provides scholarships, grants and other resources to college students and community organizations, with an emphasis on helping young people build the knowledge, skills and support systems needed to succeed. Its work is rooted in the values of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., including brotherhood, achievement and service, and reflects a broader commitment to investing in the next generation while addressing disparities that affect underserved communities. Learn more at www.btafoundation1939.com.
About Street Fraternity
Street Fraternity is a Denver-based nonprofit that provides a place of brotherhood, support and personal growth for young men ages 14 to 25 in the East Colfax communities of Denver and Aurora. The organization works with young men who may be navigating barriers to safety, independence and community connection, offering an alternative pathway built around consistent relationships, leadership development and a sense of belonging.
Through mentorship, meals, recreational and creative spaces, and other forms of support, Street Fraternity helps participants identify their goals and challenges while developing the confidence, integrity and skills needed to become independent, connected members of their communities. Learn more at www.streetfraternityusa.org.
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