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FAQ's
  • Is the only physical location at 495 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, NY?
    No. The main office is located at 495 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, but the groups meet at 1561 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. New York Location: All of our meetings will be in person January - May 2023 from 2p-3p. Boston: All of our meetings will be in person January - May 2023 from 2p-3p. Location TBD. Buddy Up House Party: All of our meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. Links are emailed each week. If any changes are made families will be informed.
  • How long has the program been around?
    We conducted a pilot program in 2018 that had proven to be a success, so we officially rolled out the program in 2019. It has been rapidly growing ever since!
  • What makes your program different from other school affinity programs?
    Our program is unique because: We exclusively cater to boys and their needs. We intentionally keep our group sizes small - no larger than 12 kids. These boys enter the program from different schools; not just from the same school-like most school based affinity programs. We frequently have guest speakers that are influential adult males (or high school males) to impart some wisdom & knowledge to these young boys.
  • What is an "affinity group"?
    An affinity group is a group of people who share interests, issues, a common background and offer each other support. People who make up an affinity group share a common identifier, such as race, gender, religion, family status or sexual orientation. In this group, students are given the opportunity to share their personal journeys and family stories as well as examine the world around them as it relates to them as a Black or Brown boy. We do this in a comfortable in person setting. Through activities and discussions, students will pose questions, discover answers, and develop their voices. The ultimate goal for this group is for students to build a healthy sense of self so that they will always feel empowered to engage deeply with others in the wider community.
  • What do the boys do when they are in the group?
    We practice character building. Our primary focus is on our 5 core values: Self-esteem Respect Awareness Belonging Leadership Discussions and activities are based on each core value. If one has a suggestion for a topic, great! We encourage friends to lead discussions that are important to them.
  • Can siblings join? Is there a discount if you have more than 1 child?
    Yes! We encourage siblings to join! We offer a 10% discount.
  • What grades do you serve?
    We serve 3rd - 8th grade students.
  • How much does the program cost?
    New York: $200/month Boston: $200/ month Buddy Up House Party: FREE with membership. (Prices subject to change.)
  • Does the program run the entire academic school year?
    Yes. The program typically runs from October - May every year. One change for the 2022-2023 academic school year, is that we will begin in Jan 2023 and will run to May 2023. Our New York & Boston locations will meet every Sunday from 2p-3pm EST. The Buddy Up House Party will be every Monday from 7:00 pm - 7:40 pm EST. Programs will NOT meet on the following dates: New York location: November (Thanksgiving Break) December (Christmas Break) January (MLK Weekend) February (President's Weekend) March (Spring Break) April (Good Friday Weekend) May (Memorial Day Weekend) Boston Location: November (Thanksgiving Break) December (Christmas Break) January (MLK Weekend) February (President's Weekend) February (Winter Break) April (Good Friday Weekend) April (Spring Break) May (Memorial Day Weekend)
  • What day and time do you offer the program?
    We are currently offering three programs: New York Location-We meet in person at 1561 Bedford Avenue every Sunday from 2p-3p. Boston-We meet in person-Location TBD-every Sunday from 2p-3p. Buddy Up House Party-We meet via zoom every Monday from 7:00 pm - 7:40 pm.
  • What services are included in the membership?
    We offer several amazing services! -Buddy Up House Party -Access to guest speakers -Lifetime access to all The Boys Room members -Complimentary 1 on 1 session with Founder -Parent check-in
  • Do you start right on time?
    Yes. The meetings are fully packed with information & activities and it's very important to arrive on time because it gives the boys the opportunity to "check in" with one another before we get started.
  • How many boys are in a group at one time?
    There is a maximum of 12 boys in a group. We like to keep it intimate so that it allows us to give everyone the attention that they need and deserve.
  • Do you do 1 on 1 counseling?
    Yes. We make ourselves available upon request. (Additional fee)
  • Does my son have to be a Black or Brown boy to join?
    If your son identifies as a Black or Brown boy, he is welcome to join.
  • What if a kid is not participating in the group? How do you handle it?
    We allow them to "have a moment" and when they feel that they are ready to join in and participate with the rest of the group, they jump right in!
  • How does my donation help support the program?
    Your donation will go towards the growth and sustainability of this program. Thank you for your support!
  • How can we help support this AMAZING (& quite unique) program?
    GREAT QUESTION! 1. Sponsor a child. 2. Refer a family. 3. Get a son, husband, brother or friend involved as a guest speaker. 4. Share the program with folks that might not know about it. 5. Tell your child's school about it. 6. Donate. Donate. Donate.

Testimonials

"Cindy is building bridges and closing the gap on divides."

P. Zhou

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