From Katherine (Kat) Rodman, MFA
Communications Specialist
Family Sunshine Center
Montgomery, AL – The Family Sunshine Center has partnered with the Elmore County High School Baseball team to pilot a transformative program called Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM). CBIM is an initiative developed by Futures Without Violence that aims to train and motivate high school coaches to educate young male athletes on healthy relationship skills, mental health practices, and the understanding that violence never equals strength.
By harnessing the power of sports, coaches, and community advocates, CBIM has successfully transformed the culture of teams, schools, and communities across the United States. The program’s primary goal is to foster positive masculinity among young athletes and equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to cultivate healthy relationships both on and off the field.
“The Elmore County High School Baseball program had one of the most successful seasons in school history this spring,” said Head Baseball Coach, Michael Byrd. “Our varsity team won the first 5A Area championship in school history and the school’s first area championship since 2005. [CBIM]played a large role in the success of our program this season. We started the program in the fall meeting once a week in the mornings before school. Right away I [noticed] guys making a concerted effort to talk to each other a little [differently]. They became much more respectful in tone and more encouraging when interacting. I really feel like the discussions we had during the Coaching Boys into Men Course helped us deal with adversity during the season better than our teams in the past.”
Senior Payton Stephenson shared his experience: “I liked it because it’s very impactful on young men like us. Some people don’t have parents to guide them the right way, but this course really gives you insight on how to navigate your life and be on the right track. It taught me to be a better person, teammate, leader, and most importantly, brought me closer to God.”
Senior Cooper Rogers expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “I really enjoyed it because it makes you look at important issues not only in the world but within your school and puts them into perspective, even if you have never experienced or thought about the lesson of the week before. CBIM opened my eyes to the broader impact we can have as individuals.”
Payton Stephenson and Cooper Rogers and six other players were selected to the WetumpkaHeralds’ All-County Baseball team. They along with players Cole Boardwine, Brock Herring, and Clark Wood, were selected as academic All-State. The team was an All-Academic selection by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association with a team GPA of 3.25.
The commitment of these student athletes and coaches will be recognized during the Biscuits Baseball Game at Riverwalk Stadium on July 20th. This special event highlights the commitment of the participants and acknowledges their dedication to becoming better individuals and community members.
For more information about the Coaching Boys Into Men program, or to schedule an interview with a representative from Family Sunshine Center, please contact:
Katherine Rodman, Communications Specialist
Family Sunshine Center 334-220-0118
About Family Sunshine Center:
The Family Sunshine Center fosters hope and healing for survivors of family violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking through the provision of crisis intervention, safe shelter, counseling, advocacy, and supportive service so that they may be empowered to lead safe, violence-free lives.
Violence and abuse can affect anyone. Our services are free and available to everyone, regardless of race, gender, age, sex, status, or any other factor. Our service sites are in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes, and Montgomery counties. More information is available at www.familysunshine.org
About Futures Without Violence:
For more than 35 years, FUTURES has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, FUTURES trains professionals such as doctors, nurses, judges, and athletic coaches on improving responses to violence and abuse. FUTURES also works with advocates, policymakers, and others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships. More information is available at www.futureswithoutviolence.org
