In recent months, spurred by both a historically strained relationship between Black communities and recent police killings, tension between law enforcement and those they are sworn to protect has reached an unprecedented high.
But retired police lieutenant Moses Vines is using his experience in the police department for the most unlikely of reasons — to instill a sense of self-worth in children and combat online bullying.
‘Coach Mo,’ as he is called by most of his athletes, recruited fellow police officers in 2007 to help him create the Metropolitan Wolverines, a nonprofit organization established to end discrimination against youth often sparked by body image. The organization, which refuses to turn a child away due to size, aims to “serve the community by providing a sense of self-worth, pride and moral development to those who would likely be shuttered out of most leagues in the Washington D.C./metropolitan area,” according to BrightSideShorts.com.
In 2007, after noticing overweight children being ostracized, the newly retired Police Lieutenant of the Fourth District created the Metropolitan Wolverines, a nonprofit organization established to end discrimination against youth often sparked by body image. The organization, which refuses to turn a child away due to size, aims to serve the community by providing a sense of self-worth, pride and moral development to those who would likely be shuttered out of most leagues in the Washington D.C./metropolitan area.
Through a combination of guidance from the former police officer and his staff, most of whom are also law enforcement, and serve as positive and constant male figures in the boys children’s lives. With an emphasis on positive sportsmanship and academics, Coach Mo is changing the landscape of community outreach and esteem in communities that have historically lacked both.
Vines was recently recognized by The Bright Side (Driven By Carmax) for his dedication to creating brighter futures for the children he leads, both by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and providing them with the guidance they need to excel in school.
You can read more on Coach Mo’s organization here.
article via newsone.com