One of the most impactful non-profit organizations in our community, Son of a Saint has been expanding its influence for over a decade and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. Created to address the burgeoning problem of boys fatherless due to untimely death, incarceration, or deportation in the New Orleans area, Son of a Saint Founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee III has been steadily building the 501(c)(3) organization since 2011, where ten kids at a local park eventually evolved into a seismic force for good. With 350 boys under its care and a mission to increase that number to 500 in 2025, Son of a Saint has developed a winning recipe through personalized mentorship, emotional support, development of life skills, exposure to constructive experiences, and formation of positive, lasting peer-to-peer relationships. By employing these strategies to overcome obstacles to success, they are creating a brighter future for every boy in the program. Son of a Saint mentees have thrived, achieving a 100% High School graduation rate, with 80% enrolling in college and the other 20% joining the workforce via skilled trade or vocational tech programs. Beyond education, Son of a Saint has also made great strides in shattering the cycle of incarceration, keeping their boys out of the judicial system so they can become productive members of their community. With unimpeachable effectiveness and lasting results, Sonny and his team of dedicated educators, mental health professionals, and mentors have been transforming lives through one kind word, one study hall session, and one listening ear at a time.
“We aspire to share and amplify the mission of Son of a Saint, and to become a national model for youth development,” says Sonny, “We’re excited to keep growing, keep making an impact, and keep changing lives for the better. Together, we’re making a difference, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish next.”
Son of a Saint has been prolific in expanding its footprint and reach in recent years; constructing a new headquarters in Mid-City, securing sizable investment from the community, and focusing their efforts on scholarship support so every mentee can achieve the educational opportunities of their choosing. Deceptively obtrusive barriers to entry, such as reliable transportation or after-school meals, can often restrict access to the very people Son of a Saint hopes to provide with opportunity. By providing these services in-house, alongside engaging educational, nutritional, and athletic activities, Son of a Saint has been able to evolve into what the community needs them to become, allowing them to continue serving these young men through dedicated mentorship, education, and love.
Son of a Saint
2803 St. Phillip St., New Orleans, 70119 | 504-561-7508 | sonofasaint.org
