Standard Textile Thomaston Partners with TV Personality Steve Harvey to Help Young Men Thrive

Steve Harvey, popular television and radio personality, best-selling author, and philanthropist, hosted his 9th annual Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men National Camp on June 14-18 at The Rock Ranch, just six miles from Standard Textile Thomaston. More than 220 fatherless teenage boys from around the country attended the camp experience.

Created by Harvey in 2009, the annual Mentoring Program selects fatherless teens, ages 13–18, from a large pool of applicants from across the United States. By way of the national camp and regional programs, the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men has impacted more than 1,500 youths and continues to grow.

Activities for the boys included fishing, basketball, football, zip lines, fishing, and archery. Motivational speaking sessions focused on respecting authority, dressing for success and tying a necktie, how to properly speak to and about women, setting goals, and forgiveness. These sessions, along with military-style physical training, team building exercises, and drill sergeant-led discipline training were used to equip the young men to overcome adolescent pressures, instill respect, teach helpful life skills, and introduce problem-solving techniques.

Each camper received a foot locker with a toiletry kit, and washcloths and towels provided by Standard Textile Thomaston.

“The premium quality washcloths and towels donated by Standard Textile provided the boys and the 25 military drill sergeants great comfort after long, hard work,” said Adam Pugh, Director of Business Development and Event Operations at The Rock Ranch.

Hannah Cassimere of The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation shared: “The textile products were such a wonderful donation and helped provide a life changing experience for the young men.”

In addition to mentoring the boys throughout the week, a Parent Program offered the teens’ mothers discussions and educational sessions on family, etiquette, teenage issues, wellness activities, financial literacy, and applying to college.

“I am indebted to the role models who donate their personal time to be here, as well as the sponsors that have enabled us to host this camp,” said Steve Harvey. “Nine years in, we are seeing many former mentees attend and finish college when they could have taken a very different path. Instead, they have grown into fine and productive young men. This would not have been possible without enduring support from the business community.”