Brothers Keepers (BK) was established on September 1, 1988 to develop young leaders according to Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Brothers Keepers seeks to impart information and experiences that help young men to develop into responsible adult males, while nurturing in them a love for God and a healthy sense of self. Priority enrollment is reserved for single-parent young men, however, the parent(s) or primary guardian of any young man between the age of eight and fourteen may complete an enrollment application.
Thank you for your interest in enrolling your son into Brothers Keepers. For 30 consecutive years this outreach ministry of the Covenant Church of Pittsburgh has provided a safe, quality, biblically based mentoring ministry primarily for boys and young men whose fathers are absent for any reason. We have witnessed a generation of these young men overcome many of the hardships that come with navigating through life without consistent quality guidance from their father. We have also seen the vast majority of BK participants graduate from high school, enroll in and graduate from college, and continue on to live lives as responsible, marketable, and conscientious men. Some of our graduates later entered the holy state of matrimony and are now (with their respective wives) raising their own children. Others have been part of the United States Armed Forces, including one of our graduates who served in Iraq as an army sergeant. One of our young men graduated from Harvard University and later the Wharton School of Business. He is now raising his family with his wife in London, England. We have seen God use the investments of a handful of committed adult male volunteers to encourage young men in the right direction and give them a renewed sense of hope through a Christian worldview, life coaching, and meaningful interactions with caring adult males and other young men striving for excellence.
The primary goal of Brothers Keepers is to develop young leaders. Our program is ideal for young men who are teachable, academically motivated, self-controlled, respectful of others, and have the ambition of discovering, pursuing and fulfilling their life purpose; who will exercise the disciplines and follow the processes needed to become capable, conscientious, marketable, and prepared men with the skills, knowledge, and foundation to make a difference in their generation. We partner with single mothers (and parents in general) who do what is necessary on their part to make sure their sons are getting a healthy start on the home front. Our position is that the welfare and progress of the son is the responsibility of the parent(s). We enroll young men in our program under the assumption that the mother/parent has made the raising of her son a chief priority and is partnering with Brothers Keepers as one form of added support. We do not claim to have all the answers nor are we equipped to solve all of the problems a young man may face in life. We bring support and input (as resources allow) to help mothers already putting forth a strong effort to position their son in the right direction. History has taught us that our investments have a greater and lasting impact when a young man is growing up in a supportive home environment where he can safely and securely practice what he is learning in Brothers Keepers and receive positive reinforcements for improved performance.
Please answer the questions in this application as carefully, thoroughly, and honestly as possible.
To be considered for enrollment in Brothers Keepers, your son (or grandson) must be at least eight (8) years of age and no older than fourteen (14). If your son is admitted into BK, he is encouraged to remain actively involved until he graduates from high school, which usually occurs at age 17 or 18 years of age. After your application is received, it will be reviewed and kept confidentially secure by the BK leadership. You will be contacted to set up an interview with a BK representative that will take place at Hosanna House. This interview will provide you and us with an opportunity to ask questions. You will be notified of the BK Board of Governors’ decision within three days of the interview. If your son is admitted to Brothers Keepers, he will be officially enrolled as soon as you sign the BK membership agreement that will be emailed to you. If you do not use email, the agreement form will be sent to you by regular mail. You will be informed about your son’s first meeting and should have your son bring this signed agreement at that time. He should place the application in the hands of Brother Monte Chapman or other designated BK leader.
Your son must have at least a C grade point average to be admitted into BK. Please bring a photocopy of his latest report card with you to the enrollment interview. If your son does not have at least a C grade point average, it might indicate a need for you and he to direct your energies into doing what is necessary to raise his grade point average. Instead of coming to mentoring meetings, etc., time might be better spent in tutorial activities, spending more time studying, receiving help from educators, etc. Certainly, you may reapply for enrollment after your son’s grade point average improves.
If your son has an ongoing relationship with his father, his father must approve of his being part of Brothers Keepers before your application can be approved. If his father approves of your son’s involvement, his father will be welcome to participate in our Brothers Keepers meetings and activities.
If applicable, please complete a separate application for each of your sons that you are seeking to enroll in Brothers Keepers.
The questions for this application begin on the next page.
