ORLANDO, Fla. — Mentoring young men aging out of the foster system is a calling for Lorvins Eugene, who was once a foster kid himself.
What You Need To Know
- Lorvins Eugene mentors young men who are aging out of foster care
- He founded 2nd Mountain to house older boys and young men
- His nonprofit H2M Alliance helos young men get jobs and mental health services
- Eugene says people who have learned from others should share that knowledge
He knows that they may have gotten older, but it doesn’t mean they no longer need help.
Around two years ago, Eugene founded 2nd Mountain, which provides housing for boys ages 13 and up in foster care, as well as young men in extended foster care ages 18 to 24. His nonprofit H2M Alliance (which stands for Housing, Employment, Education and Mental Health Services) operates under that umbrella, helping the young men get skilled labor jobs and mental health services.
Eugene’s vision is for a big backyard to help free the minds of the young men in extended foster care.
A therapy dog already is on site at 2nd Mountain.
He said he hopes to add horses for equestrian therapy and a garden, so they can work with their hands and practice patience.
Eugene has some of the young men on his payroll. He understands what they’re going through.
“I found a lot of solace in working and putting my hands to work,” Eugene said. “And just connecting with older folks, older adults. That’s why mentorship is so big for me.”
It’s a role that’s guided his life and career path. He loves mentoring the young men and watching them grow.
“Then figuring things out for themselves and the confidence and the self-esteem and that cockiness that comes out of them,” Eugene said. “I like that.”
That is what keeps Eugene going, especially when situation gets physically or emotionally demanding. He knows he is helping someone else who has gone through similar circumstances.
“Anyone who learns anything from anybody else, if you have it in you to teach somebody else, it’s only right,” Eugene said.