Haywood Barnes, Jr. grew up on a farm in North Carolina and learned a critical lesson early: “Good roots grow a good crop.” And Barnes applies that mentality in his personal mission to mentor men and boys in the Newport News area and help them grow themselves by way of the Eureka Mentoring organization.
“At the heart of Eureka Mentoring, we offer compassion to males in the conditions they may find themselves in and support them toward the goal they are seeking,” says Barnes, who calls himself a “coach” at Eureka Mentoring.
Barnes, along with four other “coaches,” mentor boys in grades 5 through 12 to help them cultivate good behavior and good attitudes; and they also mentor fathers, training them to reach their potential and help fathers move to the “next level.”
The Eureka Mentoring team visit a variety of schools across the Newport News area, offering sessions to boys, fathers and sessions where fathers and sons can come together.
Barnes has been coaching in some form since 1997. After serving 20 years in the military and settling in Newport News when he retired in 1980, he took a new role at the Newport News Prison Farm, performing duties as a medic, correctional officer and chaplain. He realized throughout his time there how he could inspire and help the fathers.
Once he moved on from the role at the prison, Barnes took his inspiration to teach boys and fathers in the area what they need to know in life, how to respect one’s self and others and how to respect women.
“I always tell the kids they are a leader and we want to help them go in the right direction. I often tell them ‘Don’t die with your shoes on,’ which means don’t die in the streets. When I hear a child make a statement that I know has taken root from what we have taught them, I know we are making a change,” Barnes says. “I have retired three times in my life, but the reason I get up every morning is duty calls so I go and do what needs to be done.”
Barnes says seeing boys and men grasp and implement concepts his program is teaching is the most rewarding part of his job, but the most precious moment is when men feel vulnerable enough to show their feelings.
“Since I grew up on a farm, a farmer is always looking to make things better. He wants the crop he is raising to be the best. Helping to positively influence others, I am helping men grow their roots and produce the best crop,” Barnes says with a smile.
When Barnes isn’t busy coaching boys and men in Newport News, he spends his free time visiting family in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, his original home. He works hard to spend time searching for ways to make himself a better person, as well. Barnes also serves as associate pastor of Calvary Chapel Church in Newport News.
TO THE POINT:
Eureka Mentoring
Phone: 757-877-6794
Website: eurekamentoring.org
