Mentorship That Doesn’t Walk Away

Learn the story behind Team Thurmond Mentoring — and why we stay in the room.

Team Thurmond Mentoring is dedicated to building meaningful, supportive relationships with youth, young adults, and our community through mentorship, community involvement, and leading with love.

Our goal isn’t to impress. It’s to stay — to be present, consistent, and real.

Our Mission

A large group of young people kneel in prayer with heads bowed and hands on each other's shoulders in a room with brick walls, windowed doors, and a television screen.
A large group of young people participating in a prayer circle, kneeling and with heads bowed, inside a brick-walled indoor space.
Three children walking along the shoreline on a beach during daytime, with a clear blue sky above.

Why We Were Founded

Michael Thurmond grew up with a father in prison and no real male role models.

Before he became a husband and father himself, he made a decision: to be the man he needed when he was young. That meant showing up. Listening. Serving. Staying.

Team Thurmond Mentoring was born from that decision — and from the belief that even one consistent voice can change the trajectory of a young life.

  • What “Stay in the Room” Means

    Stay in the room isn’t just a phrase.

    It means we show up when it’s hard.
    We build trust when others have broken it.
    We stay when it would be easier to walk out.

    Whether we’re mentoring teens, feeding kids at the RYDC, or talking to a young man after football practice — we’re still in the room. That’s where change happens.

Who We Are

A man sitting on a wooden chair outdoors near a river, with autumn-colored trees in the background, wearing a denim shirt, black jeans, and brown boots.
A family of five standing on a sandy beach with the ocean and sky in the background.

Team Thurmond Mentoring is led by Michael Thurmond, along with a faithful circle of volunteers and donors who believe in the power of presence.

Together, they support youth and families across Georgia with mentorship, meals, and moments that matter — all rooted in faith, consistency, and community.

Michael is a licensed minister, inspirational speaker, and author of A Coach’s Heart and A Father’s Heart. He leads by example — showing up, staying in the room, and speaking truth into the lives of others.