Bedfordtimesregister.com - Villager wants to help 'young men become men'

by Jeff Saunders

Reporter

Northfield Village -- Connecting fathers with their children has become Lorenzo Lewis' mission and passion in life.

"I want to let kids know that dads do care," said Lewis. "But dads have to get their acts straight first."

Lewis started Fathers for Families and Friends last November.

The village resident left a career in the finance industry a little over a year ago to take his current job as North Summit County coordinator for the National Fatherhood Initiative, an advocacy program. But he wanted to do something more grass roots.

"A lot of it has been working with kids in my backyard," he said.

Lewis estimates he now works with as many as 40 boys and young men between the ages of 12 and 25, some of whom have had brushes with the law. He gives advice on a variety of topics, from how to change a tire to writing a resume and seeking a job.

He said one of his projects is to work with local businesses on a summer work force development program. Most important, he serves as a mentor.

"I teach these young men to be men," said Lewis.

While not all the participants are village residents, Lewis said he can see the impact primarily so far in the village. Mayor Victor Milani said he agrees. Milani said that even as recently as a few months ago, there were problems with graffiti and vandalism in village parks, but incidences have dropped.

"I give Lorenzo and his bunch credit for that," said Milani.

Police Chief Mark Wentz said he has seen Lewis working with the boys and young men, some of whom have had scrapes with village police in the past, and is impressed.

"A lot of times, with something like this, it's just a lot of rhetoric, but he seems to live what he preaches," said Wentz.

Lewis served as a drill corporal in the U.S. Army in the 1980s and now works with returning war veterans who often come back to strained relationships with wives and children. He said his military experience, coupled with empathy, helps in his work.

"I believe you can have a stern, firm and fair heart and be kind," he said.

Now, Lewis has moved from his backyard to the basketball court, at least for a few hours. Fathers for Families and Friends sponsored a basketball tournament at Huntington Park Aug. 15. About 40 participants signed up for the event, which Lewis hopes will become annual.

Lewis said about $200 was raised in registration fees, which is to be used to purchase school supplies for area children in need. Various businesses donated prizes and food for the event.

Village resident Ditalian Fortner, 12, said he has known Lewis since was 3. He said Lewis taught him to play basketball.

"He also teaches us that school comes first," said Fortner.

Cleveland resident Jerry Ficzeri, 19 and former village resident, said Lewis helped him through some rough times.

"I used to be in the drug area and he helped me out just by talking to me," said Ficzeri. "I've been clean about four years."

Lewis credited village residents Joe Burian and Jonathan Bartos with coming up with the idea of the basketball tournament and helping to plan the event.

Lewis also said that when he took his proposal to village officials, they were supportive, with the service department painting fresh lines on the court and the fire department donating the use of tables and chairs.

"The village was happy to help out," said Milani.

Lewis said the organization's next event will be a school father's walk at Lee Eaton Elementary School on Sept. 10 (see box).

Lewis said he is also working on plans for a six-week fatherhood course at the Macedonia Family Recreation Center and Nordonia Hills Branch Public Library. He said he has taught the course as a part of his work with the National Fatherhood Initiative.

Until a little over a year ago, when the economic meltdown led to a layoff, he worked as a mortgage processor. He said his relationship with his son was his inspiration in starting his new career.

"We pray together and we say we love each other," said Lewis. "I even ask my son for advice now and then."

E-mail: jsaunders@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3169