Fire Destroyed "The General"

In August 2021, a day that we will always remember. To be exact, it was August 28, 2021, "The General" (YMOM's company van) engine block went up in flames. Days prior, “The General” was taken to a local auto repair shop to have work done within the engine block. A few days after bringing "The General" home, YMOM was faced with a horrible situation. The CEO- Mr. Gaynor better known as Coach Gaynor of YMOM was awaken by loud knocks at the door. A young man yelling, "Your van is on fire." YMOM's company van "The General" was demolished by fire due to a malfunction caused in the engine block.

The insurance paid out a little over $3000 and did not deem it necessary to have the vehicle further investigated by a fire inspector to determine the cause of fire. YMOM soon realized later, there was nothing in the insurance policy to support such a cause. Hence why, the insurance company went the cheaper route to cash out the value of the vehicle versus paying the cost of a fire inspector to investigate. As a result, the Auto Repair Shop denied being at fault and refused to take ownership. Consequently, programs that depended on transportation were hindered tremendously.

Currently, the van is being held for pending investigation per YMOM’s request. YMOM plans to hire a fire inspector to look further into the situation, as this can be a long process. YMOM’s program needs still must be met.

The company van "The General," was the transportation that assisted young men within the community, school, and the various YMOM programs we offer: Don't Lose Your Edge Work Training, Sports program (Diamonds In The Rough), Mission Driven (College Students), Bible Commandos, After-School Mentoring. All the mentioned programs required "The General," and were affected greatly. Our young men depended on the rides to and from school, practices, traveling to games locally and out of state, and to scheduled work assignments throughout the city of Milwaukee.

"The General" was not only transportation but was a key factor in keeping our young men out of trouble and delivering food to families within the community. The General was part of YMOM. It supported the mission by being reliable. In “The General” short time with us, it serviced more than 100+ young people. Our young men prayed, slept, ate, laughed and talked, but most certainly created memories riding with “The General.”

“The General,” his aggressive demeanor and fashionable appearance gained the attention of many to inquire about YMOM-Young Men on A Mission Inc.

With the spring and summer programs (Sports and Work Training) quickly approaching, YMOM has been tremendously impacted by the lack of transportation. We believe in young men being on a mission. It's been nearly six months, and it appears that the odds are stacked against us. Part of YMOM's Mission is to encourage our young men to retain hope when it appears that the odds are stacked against them. Currently the stacks of "no transportation" is against us. However, YMOM has hope that with your help we can beat the odds.

Want to join YMOM in their Mission in making a difference? Help YMOM raise money to purchase a reliable company van and jump start their spring and summer program needs that will benefit the lives of young men they work with. They currently have $5,000. Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution and support.

Our Mission is that every young man will: understand their life's mission; gain hope in themselves to create goals that extend beyond their daily existence; retain hope when it appears that the odds are stacked against them; and dare to be somebody. We stand strongly on our Motto: "No matter the circumstance, we can't afford to lose one" this is our prayer in Jesus name, Amen.