In every community, boys and girls are left to make a way for themselves in the streets after schools. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.

The Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network has been offering that and more since 1991. Our programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls, ages 7 to 17, by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

We also develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. The Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network provides a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. It is the place where great futures are started each and every day.

The Knights of Pythagoras Vision:

Impact South Florida's future by providing a unique youth leadership program which nurtures and develops young men and women in our communities, instilling the core values of Academic Excellence, Honor, Civic Duty and Teamwork.

Our Guiding Principles

• The health, welfare and safety of each young man and woman are our primary concern.
• We will always remember that this program is for our youth.
• We will uphold the core values of Academic Excellence, Honor, Civic Duty and Teamwork.
• We pledge, as members of the community, to serve as positive role models to the children.
• We get by giving

Our Four Basic Precepts

Academic Excellence:
KOPMN provides homework assistance for its members. Knights are also enrolled in a virtual math-tutoring program. In addition, KOPMN sponsors the annual Black History Brain Bowl in February which challenges students from dozens of elementary and middle schools in the local area in quiz-show style competition testing their knowledge of African-American History.

Honor:
Comprised of Knights ages 7 to 11 , the Knights of Pythagoras Honor Guard is not just for show. Members teach and share what they have learned about precision teamwork in military drill but mostly what they have learned about themselves. Participation on the Honor Guard is earned. Members must maintain satisfactory academic grades and good conduct and possess a positive attitude.

Civic Duty:
The Knights understand the importance of giving back to the community and are always seeking ways to help make a difference. They pick up litter along a local street as part of the city's Adopt-A-Street program, collect non-perishable and serve food to the needy at the Annual Keith Straghn Thanksgiving dinner. Knights collected school supplies and toys for kids in three Florida cities that were destroyed by the hurricanes in 2004. The organization sponsors the Annual KOPMN Santa drop, where students in a local after-school program are treated to a party with food and gifts.

Teamwork:
The lessons learned at an early age are carried with us throughout our lives. The KOPMN feels that athletics are a way to educate kids in life. We encourage our members to practice leadership, teamwork, responsibility, a positive attitude, and most of all, respect for others. For us, this is what sportsmanship is all about. Frankly, the development of these virtues takes precedent over the competitive aspect of sports, though we also teach the graces of winning and losing. Realizing that the Knights carry the lessons learned at an early age throughout their lives, the organization encourages teamwork. To demonstrate their leadership skills, the Knights are sponsoring Making it Happen, by any Means Necessary

Accountability

By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:

• Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
• Avoidance of risky behaviors
• Educational success

Our Programs Start Something

Here's the proof. National research has shown that positive relationships between mentors and their mentees have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. By participating in our programs, our youth are:

• More confident in their schoolwork performance
• Able to get along better with their families
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school.