Mentorship Program Helps Young Men Build Confidence and Life Skills

In a time when many young men face isolation, limited support systems, and the growing threat of violence, one Atlanta-based mentoring program is working to flip the script. TEENZ on POINT (T.O.P.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is empowering young men ages 17 to 24 with the confidence, skills, and guidance they need to thrive in life.

Founded by Mr. Phillip Cooper, T.O.P. was born from personal experience. After facing his own battles with homelessness, addiction, and incarceration, Cooper now dedicates his life to leading others down a more positive path. “I used to be part of the problem. Now I’m part of the solution,” he says.

Drawing on his background as a case manager and mentor, Mr. Cooper developed what he calls the Reconstruction Model, anchored in his “Seven R’s”: Righteous, Respect, Responsibility, Restraint, Reciprocity, Rhythm, and Redemption. These values are embedded into every interaction, workshop, and event T.O.P. leads.

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One of the program’s most popular and impactful initiatives is “Positive Pull-Ups,” a biweekly event that brings the program directly into City of Atlanta parks. “We pull up in the park, give out free food, free fruit, hot dogs, and engage with the community,” Cooper explains. These events are designed to meet young men where they are—literally and figuratively—offering mentorship in safe, welcoming spaces.

A recent Positive Pull-Up at East Lake Park included hands-on workshops, music, and community bonding. Participants took part in real-world skills training and team challenges like the Tool Relay and Tool Bucket Match, learning not only how to work with their hands, but also how to solve problems and work together.

For Nicholas, 21, the experience has been life-changing.

“TEENZ on POINT teaches mechanical skills, but more importantly, it teaches you how to be a man of purpose,” he shared. “It gave me a place to grow and people who believe in me.”