Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Pennamon.
Brandon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since my early years of high school, I’ve had a love and passion burning on the inside for people and my community.
After being raised in a single-parent household and seeing the many injustices of individuals born in unpromising circumstances, I found an inherent call on my life to revitalize the community & help restore young men to their rightful position as the head of the family.
At age 21, while in college I received a vision for “F.I.T. for the Future with the goal of: “Preparing Young Men & The Community to be Holistically Fit For The Future in Mind Body & Spirit”.
With that Mission in mind I started hosting community engagement activities and also founded an all Male Mentoring Program – “The M.E.N.S. Club”
Within a short five years period, we have been able to services over 3,000 Families and have had over 50 young men to go through our mentoring program.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would have to say my hardest struggle has been managing time as our organization grows. The more and more we began to affect people’s lives, with the work we’re doing, the more demanding our workload became.
Many people have now come to expect us to be a light in the community and it takes a great deal of time management to keep that light burning.
This is why I feel it is so important to keep a good team around that knows your organization’s Mission and Goals.
Another huge obstacle that will either make or break your ability to keep going even when others say “NO”… When 1st beginning this organization I had many individuals who told me it would never work! But, in order to truly see success you must make it through a million No’s to get to the One Big YES!!!
After hearing one yes, it was encouraging and motivating! I realized early a positive attitude will take you far in life.
Please tell us about F.I.T. For The Future Community Development Group.
It is a pleasure to tell you a little about our organization F.I.T. (Faith Inspired Thinking) For The Future Community Development Group, Inc.
Our mission is to foster our community back to a selfless mindset. We believe this mindset will bring unity within our community and set a tone of togetherness.
Also, by actively engaging our community on a daily bases we are setting an example for the younger generations, teaching them to build their family, business and community upon a solid foundation.
F.I.T. For The Future Community Development Group, Inc., accomplishes these goals by hosting a number of events, programs, and initiatives within our community, throughout the year.
We begin the year with our Annual Community Trailblazer Award where we honor local community members who are doing positive things and also give away 3 $500 Scholarships to graduating high school seniors.
During the summer we host our F.I.T. Sports Camp, where we introduce students to new sport and also encourage a healthy proactive lifestyles.
Before the School year starts we have our annual Back to School Festival, where we give away 1,200 school supply filled book-bags to local students in grades K-12
Finally, during the Holiday Season we host a FREE Thanksgiving & Christmas Day Brunch, where we provide hot meals and resource to the entire community.
While juggling all of that we also host our male mentoring program, “The M.E.N.S. Club” year around.
Ultimately we work hard everyday to find new and innovative ways to actively engage our entire Community.
What sets us apart from others is our ability to stand up for what is right and our willingness to listen and relate to those in need… We are most proud of our ability to bridge the gap between generations and touch so many lives that others may not be willing or able to connect with.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I personally don’t believe in luck. I feel that everything happens for a reason and nothing is by Chance. Instead of using the word luck, I like to say I am blessed and work hard..
One of my favorite quotes is “Success is when Preparation meets Opportunity.” This is why I cant believe in Luck. I believe we are only as successful as the amount of preparation we put into the opportunities we are given.
I have been blessed with the energy and mindset to do what I’m doing and can only give God the credit. No offense to Luck, but I believe it is only by God’s Grace, Mercy, and Plan that I am still here today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fitforthefuture.us
- Email: fitforthefut@gmail.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/fitforthefut facebook.com/gotmybrothersback
Image Credit:
Giving away $500 scholarship at our Community Trailblazer Award Ceremony
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