Lawrence McElrath Served as Mentor for At Risk Youth

CANTON , OH (06/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Lawrence McElrath, a Malone University sophomore Bible and theology major from Cuyahoga Falls, volunteered throughout the 2010-2011 academic year as a mentor for "at risk" youth.

The Malone University Department of Multicultural Services hosts D.A.D.D.Y., Inc., (Dedicated Adults Directing and Defending Youth); the program targets at risk young boys ages 8-14 and includes mentoring, community service, and collaborative support of the "Ohio Underground Railroad & Its Significance for All Ethnicities" project. In addition to Malone's support of this worthwhile project; The Department of Multicultural Services provides in-kind donations in the form of classroom and computer lab space, as well as mentoring services by student members of the University's "Black Men United" (BMU) organization. Their purpose will be to provide one-on one mentoring, college visitations, and other programming for the males who are participants in the D.A.D.D.Y. initiative.

Founded by Sandra and Greg Gillians, the program grew out of a recognized need to take preventive measures to ensure the success of inner city boys.

During the 2010-2011 school year, Malone men of BMU provided tours, meals, basketball games, tutoring, and spiritual encouragement every Tuesday night from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. This past February, they accompanied STEP UP (math and science enrichment) participants to the Ohio Underground Railroad for an historical tour, providing information and clarity concerning Ohio's role in this historical period.

Malone University, a Christian university for the arts, sciences, and professions in the liberal arts tradition, affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church, awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 100 academic programs. Malone is recognized by the prestigious Templeton Foundation as a leader in character development, named an NAIA Champions of Character Five Star Award winner, and is ranked among the top colleges and universities in the Midwest under the category Regional Universities according to U.S.News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2011.