New Colorado Springs mentorship program helping to elevate young men

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- For young men in their teens and early 20's, navigating life's challenges can be difficult, especially when depression and suicide rates for that age group are high.

"I was working too much. I was trying to do school and just outperform," Issak Treat said.

For much of his junior year in high school, Treat said he struggled with the unspoken challenges associated with depression and anxiety, until he connected with his mentor Andrew Perkett.

"We would get together almost every Thursday morning or so and really discuss like, how am I going through life, how everything's doing and where can I help you out?"

Andrew Perkett, President of The Kingship Foundation, said the goal of the new nonprofit is to empower the next generation of young men.

"We come alongside and teach them life skills to set them up for life after high school," Perkett said.

Newly created in Downtown Colorado Springs, The Kingship Foundation focuses on guiding young men in their teen's and 20's.

"Before puberty, suicide rates are about the same. But 10 to 14, it doubles for young men. From 15 to 19, it's four times higher and then 20 to 24, it's actually six times more likely for a young man to die by suicide than a female."

The foundation pairs students with mentors who are able to coach them through social, professional and personal life events.

According to Perkett, the organization plans to launch their first full program in January 2021, then partner with several area schools by August.

"We're really trying to break the stigma of what it means to be a man. The whole 'suck it up, rub some dirt on it.' But also teaching young men, like it's okay to be okay. It's okay to get help."

To learn more about The Kingship Foundation or how to get involved, visit their website.