HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - A group of young men committed to helping others is aspiring for bigger and better things.
With every blade of grass, a lesson is being learned. Respect, responsibility and how to be a role model. "We teach them how to cut grass, we teach them the importance of being men," says Rodney Smith, Co-Founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service.
So far, they're mentoring 15 boys in the program. "It can keep kids away from idle hands. When they have nothing to do, they tend to find themselves in trouble,” says co-founder Terrance Sprot.
They're taking it upon themselves to create something better within their community. "When you're doing something from the heart outside of yourself, these kids actually see a sense of self-worth they probably couldn't get anywhere else," says Sprot.
Meanwhile, people who applaud their work are hoping to have their charitable act of cutting grass featured on the Ellen Show.
Because Raising Men Lawn Care isn't just about the kids; they're also giving back to the community by mowing the lawns of single moms, and the elderly, free of charge. "It's expensive and a lot of them can't afford it," says Smith.
Jessica Williams is one of those single mothers, thankful for the help, but even more excited for her own son to be old enough to join in. "It's like a rotating cycle, everybody wins, everybody is winning. And I think that's amazing," said Williams.
They're making a difference in the lives of many, one yard at a time. "If we can go ahead and do anything ourselves to be a catalyst for change, then that's what we're going to do," said Sprot.
The pair set up a GoFundMe page to help with some of the costs to run their service, according to USA Today.
That caught the attention of engine maker Briggs & Stratton, which profiled Rodney for its You.Powered. initiative, provided lawn equipment and paid off the original GoFundMe goal of $2,000.
If you'd like to be a part of or help out with this program, visit their Facebook page:
