Mr. Levar from Fathers on a Mission talks to Gioia about the work he does and how he supports young fathers. Their mission is to “promote responsible committed fatherhood through education, strong relationships, holistic health, and socioeconomic education.

• https://www.fathersonamission.com/

Mr. Levar's bio:
A proud native of Baton Rouge and a member of the Capitol Senior High School class of 1995, Levar Robinson has always embodied the spirit of a servant leader. In 1996, inspired and encouraged by his mother, he embarked on a journey with the U.S. Navy, serving as a nuclear Submarine Machinist Mate for six years on two nuclear submarines and a submarine repair ship. During this time, his passion for travel and watersports ignited. Transitioning from the Navy, Levar held key positions with industry leaders including Northrop Grumman, Dow Chemical Company, and ExxonMobil, amassing a combined total of 17 years of professional experience. Yet, his commitment to community service and mentorship never wavered.

Beginning in 2008, Levar extended his influence to guide and inspire young minds within churches and prison ministries, becoming a beacon of hope for the next generation. Volunteering with organizations such as Big Buddy, 100 Black Men, and Volunteers in Public Schools, he further demonstrated his dedication to community growth. In 2017, driven by a profound desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of at-risk youth and a heartfelt commitment to supporting fathers, Levar established Fathers On A Mission (FOAM), a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Remarkably, he embarked on this journey while maintaining a demanding shift work schedule at DOW Chemical Company. FOAM’s mission is clear: to enhance Fathers and Father Figures, which will ultimately strengthen families. With six children of his own and having served as a father figure to countless others, Levar’s dedication stems from personal experiences, a genuine sense of purpose, and most of all-a calling on his life.

Today, Levar’s presence is felt within schools and communities alike. Whether engaging youth through open dialogues through his company Enhance Your Greatness through their mentoring curriculum, "Enhancing Your Greatness" or providing essential social service interventions for Fathers and Father Figures, his impact resonates deeply. Levar’s tireless efforts have earned him recognition from esteemed organizations and companies across the city and state. His accolades include the 2018 Emerge Center Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activist Award, the 2018 Louisiana Association of Non-Profits (LANO) Community Leaders Alumni distinction, the 2019 ExxonMobil Responsible Care Award, the 2020 Business Report Executive Leadership Academy Alumni recognition, the 2020 NAACP Trailblazer Award, the 2020 BlueCross BlueShield Foundation Angel Award, the 2022 New Orleans Saints and Community Coffee Military and Community Volunteer Honoree distinction, the 2022 Responsible Fatherhood Facilitator and Family Life Coach

Red Bean Baby talks about a lot of difficult, potentially triggering things. Take care of yourself and your mental health. Learn about more resources here on our website (https://www.covenanthousenola.org/issues/mental-health-wellness/).

Dr. Corine Brown, or Dr. C’Ma, a social worker and friend of Covenant House, can help you access more resources. Meet Dr. C’Ma here: https://themindbodyservicecollective.com/

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