Darian Pruitt, ministry associate for Capital City Christian Church, and 15 young boys ages 7 to 12 are true examples of leadership and innovation in Jefferson City. The group, known as Bros Give Back, began earlier this spring with a mission to “give, chill, and grow.” Give: give back to the community. Chill: what the group does after a hard afternoon’s work – often enjoying lunch and games together. Grow: the personal growth that results from doing for others.
Darian, who founded the group, has worked in the church daycare since the age of 14, been a church employee for the last year, and now focuses on the organization’s outreach programs. He aspires to create opportunities for young boys to learn the importance of giving back, building healthy relationships, and feels that for both himself and the boys, getting to serve is the true reward. Bros Give Back began their service work for the Halo Foundation, helping them to clean, assemble beds, empty trash, and perform other various tasks throughout the spring. They have also assisted Jefferson City Parks and Recreation with park clean-up efforts and most recently volunteered their time last Saturday afternoon to a landscaping project for Day Solutions Foundation.
The Bros Give Back learned about DSF at the United Way Unmet Needs Committee meeting which Darian attended to learn more about nonprofits that may have service opportunities for the group. On November 4, 11 of the young members gathered at Day Solutions, Inc. to turn soil, rake rocks, and lay brick for a new outdoor picnic area. The area would serve as placement for a custom designed picnic table, hand painted with the foundation’s new logo donated by DSF supporter, Cody Mays.
Bros Give Back meets each Saturday from 9:45 to 1:00 p.m. – beginning and ending at the Capital City Christian Church. However, despite using the church’s building and van, membership or attendance at the church is not required for participation. Bros Give Back is open to all young boys looking to be a part of something positive and rewarding, and there is no cost to participate. When asked about what he would like to see for the Bros Give Back in the future, Darian said he would like to see more boys joining the mission and more dads getting involved with the program. He said that for many of the boys, there is a great need for positive male role models.
For more information on getting involved with the Bros Give Back, contact Darian at 573-230-2047.
