ST. LOUIS — There’s an opportunity for boys and teenagers in the St. Louis area to get involved in a positive outlet to develop talent and teach life skills.
The Family of Vision is accepting new members from elementary to high school to join their nationally recognized step teams. It’s making a difference by shaping young men.
They’ve built a name for themselves not only in St. Louis, but across the nation. Last weekend they returned from New Jersey and New York after placing in a national step competition. Leaders say the Family of Vision exposes boys from elementary, middle and high school to things and places they've never seen.
"Walking around Times Square, meeting new people…Seeing the bright lights, tall buildings…It was amazing,” said 16-year-old Joshua West.
If you ask them, they'll tell you it's about more than stepping. Through the art, they learn discipline and so much more.
"Brotherhood, learning how to be a man, and learning how to not make excuses,” said Vaughn Alexander, who just graduated from high school.
Organizers said that's why they do this.
"We’re making sure these guys are going to school, going to class, getting the essential tools they'll need to be successful in life,” said organizer Quintton Williams, Sr. After graduating from the program himself, he now gives back as a volunteer. "A lot of the neighborhoods that these guys live in, I was once a kid running up and down those streets… Knowing what they're going through at home and to see that they're able to persevere through all those trials and tribulations and still become that young, successful man."
At Riverview Gardens High Thursday, current and prospective members gathered for an Open House to learn how to get involved. They're looking for boys of all ages in the St. Louis area. You don't have to know how to step. You just have to be committed to being your best.
"You discover what abilities that you didn't even know you have,” West added.
When other young men are making the news for all the wrong reasons, the Family of Vision is stepping up to be the change.
"In life we'll face challenges and it's easy to give up, but I feel since we have the brotherhood around us, it makes it easier for us to stay,” said 18-year-old Colin Williams.
"It keeps us off the streets,” 14-year-old Shaun Hudson said.
The Family of Vision will hold a weeklong step camp this summer to prepare new members for the upcoming season.
To learn more and to apply, visit their website.