Spring Valley-based Boys to Men Mentoring (B2M) recently hosted its inaugural “Fresh Cuts & Cookout” event at its headquarters.

This special event was aimed at preparing young men for the 2024-2025 school year with confidence and style. The event saw a turnout of 30 B2M boys, who were treated to free haircuts and brand-new backpacks, thanks to the support of barbers from across the community.

The Boys to Men headquarters buzzed with excitement from 4 to 7 p.m., as the young attendees enjoyed the grooming services and received essential school supplies. In addition to the haircuts and backpacks, the event featured a backyard-style BBQ, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for both the boys and their families.

The Fresh Cuts & Cookout event marked a start to Boys to Men’s In-School Mentoring Program for the new school year. The program aims to support and empower young men through mentoring and community engagement, fostering their personal and academic growth.

“We are thrilled with the success of our first Fresh Cuts & Cookout event,” said Franco Saavedra, program manager of Boys to Men Mentoring. “The overwhelming support from the community and the joy on the faces of our boys was truly heartwarming. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this event and look forward to a successful school year ahead.”

Boys to Men Mentoring extends its thanks to the barbers, volunteers, parents, and everyone who made this event possible.

Since 1996, Boys to Men has guided more than 13,000 boys towards their “true north” through the principles of Listen, Accept, and Encourage. Currently, B2M empowers 750 boys weekly through in-school and after-school programs across 39 schools and 12 districts in San Diego County.

For more information about Boys to Men Mentoring and their programs, visit boystomen.org.