Raising Men Lawn Care Service was started with the idea of making a difference in neighbors’ lives one lawn at a time. It is a volunteer organization that provides free lawn care and other outdoor services such as snow shoveling and raking leaves for community members in need like the elderly, disabled, veterans, and single parents. Along the way, Raising Men seeks to build its youth volunteers into community-minded adults. Through the program, kids get a chance to give back to their community and build skills and relationships along the way.

Since its founding in 2015, Raising Men has exploded in growth and support. There are currently eight chapters across the country, over 150 kids have joined, there are over 53,000 supporters worldwide, and they have collectively mowed over 2,000 lawns. Raising Men has been featured on local television affiliates as well as across the country on national news such as NBC News, Fox News, the Today Show, Huffington Post, and more.

Rodney formed Raising Men after observing an elderly person struggling with yard care. After Rodney started local and began cutting the grass for the elderly in his neighborhood. With the help of social media, the idea quickly took off.

Rodney is originally from the island of Bermuda and received his undergraduate degree from Alabama A&M University. Through his upbringing, he learned the importance of neighbors helping neighbors. Through the program, Rodney seeks to bring that same community spirit to our area and across the nation.

To learn more about Raising Men Lawn Care Service, or to request assistance with your own lawn, check out their website at weareraisingmen.com. You can follow Rodney on social media at: Facebook: Rodney Smith, Jr.; Twitter: @iamrodneysmith and Instagram: rodneysmithjr For kids interesting in volunteering, send in a picture via social media or email holding a sign saying “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge” and the organization will send you a t-shirt and ear protection to get you started.