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INKSTER – Flipping gender roles on their head, the men of Inkster are partnering in their annualSeeds2Feed Foundation picnic Sunday, June 24.

In its 18th year, the all men’s nonprofit helps bring the community together by reaching out to youth members of the community to teach them self-awareness, self-respect, drug, gang and sex awareness and to provide a shoulder for them to lean on. The foundation is run by men in or affiliated with the city who strive to provide kids with the resources to grow up with a strong sense of community and positive male role models.

Seeds2Feed Vice President Wes Stephens has seen the positive impact the event has had on the youth of the city, and advocates for the importance of the organization.

“Our goal is bring positive energy and a hopeful image to our youth,” Stephens said. “As mentors we share our skills, experiences and ideas to help the youth become productive and positive members of society. We will encourage them to refuse to listen to the negativity of being told what they cannot achieve, and encourage them to believe they can and will achieve every goal as long as they believe in themselves.”

The men will begin preparing a huge amount of food the day before the event at Inkster Park in expectation of hosting hundreds of children and their families.

Men and boys affiliated with the organization often have positive experiences and stay involved with the group.

Seeds2Feed member Dante Nix joined the organization in 2009, at 16 years old. Today, he is a member who enjoys giving back to the organization that gave him hope.

“This organization has had such a positive impact on our city, and our picnic brings out the best in our community,” Nix said. “This program changed my life by introducing me to positive pathways and provided me with outstanding role models to look up to.”

Co-founder of Seeds2Feed Anthony Dooley has watched the organization connect children with adults who can assist them in their goals, and put them in positions to succeed. This picnic will be the kick-off to the group’s fiscal year, and will be just the beginning for activities this year focused on guiding youth towards paths of success.

“Our goal is to put young people in a position to succeed,” Dooley said. “Our mentor program connects young people to adults with similar interests. If a young person is interested in cooking – we connect them to a chef. If we see a child excel and love mathematics – we connect them to someone in the finance industry. Our members and coaches are always available for these kids, and we look forward to amazing futures for each and every one of them.”

The picnic will feature a bounce house, whirly bird ride, rock climbing wall, video game bus, hip hop clown and ice cream truck. The men leading the event will be passing out food to hundreds of kids, and will provide an opportunity for youth to mingle with influential men within the city.

The event is open to the entire Inkster community from 2 p.m. until dusk at Inkster Park, 2025 Middlebelt Rd.