Mentoring Project opens Oklahoma City office with goal to help young people

A faith-based organization that works to connect adult mentors with youths who need them has opened an office in Oklahoma City.

The Mentoring Project, founded in 2009 by John Sowers and “Blue Like Jazz” author Donald Miller, plans to offer mentor training sessions at houses of worships such as Frontline Church.

Recently, business, civic and clergy leaders from across the metro were invited to a luncheon at SandRidge Energy in which Sowers shared information about The Mentoring Project's goals.

In an interview with The Oklahoman, Sowers said The Mentoring Project was started in Portland, Ore., but will now expand to Oklahoma City.

Sowers, 38, said through his previous work with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, he learned how to “take the temperature” or gauge the pulse of a city. He said The Mentoring Project leaders began talking to several Oklahoma City leaders in February 2011 and decided through those discussions with the “spiritual gatekeepers” of the city that the project was needed and could be successful in Oklahoma City.

Sowers said part of that is because many people in the city area are concerned about the challenges facing young people, particularly those without a father in the home.

“Really, Oklahoma City is a one-of-a-kind place,” Sowers said.

“You have business leaders, churches, athletes, media who all care about social justice issues and who all care about this issue of fatherlessness.”

Making connections

The Mentoring Project has been featured in articles in Christianity Today, Relevant Magazine and on broadcast news shows such as CNN and Fox News. In 2012, Sowers was recognized by the White House as a President's Champion of Change in the area of fatherhood and healthy families. He is the author of the book “Fatherless Generation: Redeeming the Story.”