ABOUT US

The Real Men Real Heroes concept was developed in Wichita, Kansas late in 2006 by Wichita Philanthropist, Barry Downing and his children’s Projects Manager, Polly Basore. Their belief was that there was a need to create something to counteract the damaging effects of young men living in a society that exposes them to media images that seemed to portray black men as either criminals or successful only in the fields of pro sports or entertainment.

From this was born the concept introducing local black youth to real men in their community who were everyday heroes. In March 2007, Basore invited two dozen members of the community to form an advisory committee to shape what became The Real Men Real Heroes Project. Initially nominations were sought from the public to identify men who qualified as exemplary role models. Nominations were then reviewed by the advisory committee and subjected to formal background checks.

A group of 32 men were then invited to join the project, taking on the role of being identified as a Hero in the community. The heroes immediately began serving youth by visiting classrooms and other venues around Wichita. In May 2008, President Bush recognized Hero Buddy Shannon with a Presidents Call to Service Award during a visit to Wichita. With the pilot project complete, the Heroes in June 2008 set out to form a board and establish their own non-profit organization.

OUR MISSION

Male role models empowering youth

to help build strong communities.

OUR PARTNERS

Real Men Real Heroes is grateful for the support we receive from the following community partners and benefactors:

MEET THE BOARD

JONATHAN MCROY

Board Member

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Air Force, Director of Programs

DEREK MORGAN*

Board Member

FAA - Deputy Director

*Mr. Morgan is serving in his personal capacity

ROBERT MOODY

Board Member

Martin Pringle Law Firm - Attorney

PAUL CRUZ

Board Chair

Wichita Police Department - Public Information Officer

EBONY CLEMONS-AJIBOLADE 

Board Vice Chair

Westar Energy - Economic Development Manager

LASHONDA GARNES

Secretary

Wichita State University -

Community Development Manager

JOEL DAVIS

Treasurer

SurePrep - National Account Success Manager

WAYNE BELL

Board Member

A leader in public service

COURTNEY BENGSTON

Board Member

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Wichita Community Foundation - Director of Strategic Initiatives

CAREEM GLADNEY

Board Member

Cargill- Business Manager

ANTHONY LEEKS

Board Member

Spirit Aerosystems - Manager of R&D

Manufacturing Technology

KYLE

ELLISON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JANEACE BLUMA

PROGRAM MANAGER

JOB POSTINGS

PROGRAM COORDINATOR VISTA

Member Duties : You will help create and monitor programming efforts while tracking progress of students in RMRH database. You will also create ways to follow extra-curricular activities that students are involved in and the development measurements of developed character. You will also help develop ways to monitor what students are involved in and the level of engagement. Creating reports that can be shared and duplicated in the future of student profiles, statistics, and effectiveness of RMRH programming. You will also assess the current state of RMRH efforts in mentorship programming that creates or revises policies, procedures, and documents to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the mentorship programming of RMRH.

Program Benefits : Training,  Education award upon successful completion of servicem,  Childcare assistance if eligible,  Health Coverage* ,  Relocation Allowance,  Living Allowance,  Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend . 

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See full announcement and application by clicking here.