Last year, while his mother spoke at the Allies in Youth Development banquet, former NBA player and TV sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal made a surprise appearance and generous donation. This year, the group has asked former NFL player and son of pastor Dr. Tony Evans, Jonathan Evans, to headline its fall fundraiser. 
Headquartered in Mansfield, Allies in Youth Development is a nonprofit that seeks to improve the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in more than 60 countries across five continents.
The organization’s hallmark initiative is a mentorship program. In-country leaders organize and train groups of local-to-them volunteers who visit orphanages regularly. As mentors, these volunteers build relational bridges, model the character of Christ, and teach life skills the orphans may not otherwise receive but desperately need to be successful. Emotional, spiritual, educational, and material support are all components of the program. Allies wants the children to know they are not forgotten and they are loved and chosen. This proven methodology lays the foundation for long-term success in the lives of these children.
In Texas, partners like churches, businesses, and organizations provide in-kind donations to the nonprofit’s Mansfield warehouse. There, volunteers pack and ship hygiene items, shoes, clothing, school supplies, and toys.
Unfortunately, the life expectancy of an orphan is less than 30. Depending on location, a child may age out of an orphanage as young as 15, often without life skills or guidance. This is why orphans are at a high risk of falling victim to human trafficking, as well as homelessness, addiction, and suicide. Allies Mentoring Program (AMP) seeks to prevent orphans from becoming another statistic.
Allies in Youth Development invites the community to join its “Color Their World” fall banquet. The free event includes dinner, a short program and live auction on September 22nd at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield. A similar event will be held the following month in Keller at Venture Church on October 20th.
