MILWAUKEE — Two men in Milwaukee are working together to help young people learn to live independently and be successful. 

Hendriel Anderson and Carnelius Russell co-founded Men of Men Inc. five years ago. They wanted to provide a safe space for underserved youth in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.  

“I’ve always had a great deal of faith and belief that what young men have been in the past doesn’t necessarily have to take their future,” said Russell. 

It’s a transitional home for young men ages 16 to 20 who have been removed from their homes due to tough circumstances. Some of those may include parental neglect, a mental health crisis or certain court orders. It houses at least 10-12 youth at one time. 

“We wanted to create a program where we were thinking about those underlying issues and the real needs of our youth,” said Anderson. 

In the past, Anderson and Russell had an opportunity to work together with Milwaukee County’s Trauma Response Team. There, they were able to provide services to families who have been exposed to various forms of trauma. 

Both men said the goal is to have these young men return home for family reunification or prepare for independent living. 

“Youth who are aging out of those systems of care usually are left to fend for themselves,” said Russell. “How can we bridge the gap, where if they turn 18 it's not a kiss of death for them?”  

At the MOM house, the residents are able to learn skills like cooking, hygiene, how to do laundry and more. 

Young men like Lamonte Pringle have been able t find success through Men of Men. Since living at the MOM home, he said he’s been able to turn his life around for the better. 

“I’m glad I’m doing the right thing,” said Pringle. “My mom and my family are happy for me for being independent.” 

Pringle leaves next month to start living on his own. He’s hoping to find a part-time job, housing, and to continue his journey. 

He said he’s learned how to shift his mindset off of the negative things of life and focus on a better path forward. 

“I just want to be a proud, happy person and start a family business,” said Pringle. 

Staff also offer an after care program where they offer support for up to an additional six months. They offer mentorship, employment, transportation, education and basic housing needs. 

“When these young men are able to achieve those things, now they understand not only how the world sees them, but it changes how they see the world,” said Anderson. 

To learn more about Men of Men Inc., visit https://www.menofmenmilwaukee.org/.