Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Bazell.
Hi Mike, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Personally, I started out as a troubled young man who did not believe in himself. I grew up thinking I was a failure at everything and anything. That mindset created an “I don’t care attitude.” I carried that attitude for many years even during my time in the military. My navy career consisted of many write-ups and Captain Mast. I eventually got out of the military and searched for another path in life. I decided that I wanted to earn my degree in Criminal Justice, so I could become a Juvenile Probation Officer. I thought that I could somehow help other young individuals avoid making the same mistakes that I made as a juvenile.
As time passed, I achieved my goal of becoming a Juvenile Probation Officer for the State of Georgia. I have been in law enforcement for seven and a half years, but I still had an urge to do more for the youth in my community. In 2018, I started AYM-Ambitious Young Men Incorporated after completing a two-month fast of no meat. During this time of fasting, God spoke with me about facing my fears. I’ve always had a passion to help young men, but I was scared to step out and do it. In July of 2018, I sought spiritual guidance from my pastor. He counseled and prayed for me. That same month, God blessed me with a free building to hold my meetings. On August 14, 2018, the program had its first day. I sat in that building for two hours and only one parent showed up. At that moment, I felt like a failure, and I had thoughts about calling it quits. I prayed that night, and God told me to keep going to that building and sitting there for the entire two hours. I went back every Tuesday and Thursday, and I sat there waiting on parents and kids to show up.
After a couple of weeks, the City of Douglas contacted me and asked me to be a mentor for their Teen Court program. That program brought me six individuals during the first month. The program began to grow, and I began to get excited about what God was doing with the program. Every year, we pride ourselves on being a positive image in our community through our actions. We strive to make our world a better place and we strive to become better men. The support from our community has grown along with the program. The school system, city officials, and our local law enforcement all support the program and its efforts in the community. The program is called upon to assist with different events in the community and schools. In 2022, we started another AYM-Ambitious Young Men program in the Macon-Bibb area. That program is led by Mentor Ja’Cory Bazell. I believe that God will continue to expand this program until it reaches every state. In August 2022, we celebrated our four-year anniversary and we plan to continue to have an even more positive impact on our young men in the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. This has been the most difficult thing that I ever had to do. I have to literally give myself to others at any moment. Some of the challenges I have faced have been getting the parents to help keep their young man involved, keeping a rapport with the young men due to them missing multiple meetings, providing transportation for the youth, and financial challenges. Those type of challenges holds weight but not enough to make me want to quit. I take every challenge and I chip at it. I face every challenge knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When I am weak or exhausted, I know that God will provide the strength I need to carry on.
As you know, we’re big fans of AYM-Ambitious Young Men Incorporated. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
AYM-Ambitious Young Men is a non-profit 503c that assists young men from ages 7 to 18 who have experienced child abuse, criminality, bullying, neglect, low self-esteem, or troubles with academics by facilitating mentoring relationships, providing opportunities for reflection and self-examination, teaching practical leadership skills. and empowering mentees to reach their full potential as successful young men.
Our goals are to provide educational improvements for the youth, provide leadership skills, mentor youth to reach their full potential by reducing risky behaviors in youth, and create a mentally, emotionally, and physically safe environment for youth. We want to be able to decrease or eliminate delinquent behaviors, develop leadership abilities, and increase contribution to one’s community. We provide seminars and workshops that teach the youth life skills in our community. We complete hours of community service within our community. We also have been blessed to provide three young men with scholarships within the last two years to help further their education.
The program lives by this motto “I plan to AYM high. I will make mistakes on the way, but I will learn from my mistakes. I will become a successful man.” We advised the young men that they will make mistakes in life, but if they learn from them instead of becoming them then they have the opportunity to still become successful.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can keep up with us via social media. Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok: ambitiousyoungmen
We would love to collaborate with other organizations, so please contact us via social media. I respond to messages within minutes. You can also support us by sharing our posts on social media. Financially you can support us via cash app: $AmbitiousYoungMen
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ambitiousyoungmen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmbitiousYoungMen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCchwBPBBzewTiE03S6oxTFg
