Franklinton resident Frank Crosby is fed up from seeing young males destroy themselves from violence and drugs.

And he intends to try his best to do something about it.

Crosby is launching the Washington Parish Boys to Men Mentoring Program. It’s part of a non-profit national association.

The program aims to partner with the local school systems and positive male role models in the community.

Crosby is an associate minister at Sweet Rest M.B. Church in Franklinton under the leadership of Dr. Mallery Callahan.

Crosby said the organization is desperately needed.

“I haven’t always walked on the right side of the law myself,” Crosby said. “Like anybody else, I’ve made mistakes. But God has redeemed me and for the rest of my life, I want to help others along the way.”

Crosby said he is calling on all community-minded individuals to help him.

“With the recent explosion of murders and violence here in Washington Parish, I feel there is a need for mentoring for our young black males, especially,” Crosby said. “All teens are committing crimes, both black and white. This is my way of issuing a clarion call to get the community on board to stem the violence.”

Crosby said he would like to see officials from the law enforcement, clergy, politicians and any interested individual with the desire to make a difference to work with the organization.

“As long as we continue to do what we are doing, we will continue to get what we are getting,” Crosby said. “I’m calling on any concerned citizen to help make a difference in some young man’s life. Ultimately, we’re going to pay the price if we don’t do anything.”

Crosby said he hoped to have the first organizational meeting within two weeks at a time and place yet to be determined. He said the goal is to have a Board of Directors established by the end of the year.

A few years ago, Crosby organized the Southeast Louisiana Reentry Coalition for non-violent inmates. He said it’s time to focus on local youth.

“The main objective of Boys to Men is to steer them away from the justice system. Without the cooperation of the school system, it won’t be as successful as it can be,” Crosby said. “Mentors will be vetted. Every now and then, we’ll have people who have turned their life around and talk with them.”

To contact Crosby about the organization, he can be reached at 985-839-5776 or 985-295-1248.

“Our kids are winning championships in football, basketball and baseball, but losing in school and academics,” Crosby said.