About Us

Our mission is to help male teenagers ages 13 – 19 become healthy, resilient young men.

Why We Do What We Do

Today’s teen boys are growing up in a world that is more complex and challenging than ever before.

Many are navigating life without consistent father figures. Others face bullying, social isolation, anxiety about school violence, and constant exposure to unhealthy influences such as social media, pornography, and substance use.

Very few spaces exist where teen boys can safely explore what it means to become a man with integrity.

Journeymen exists to fill that gap.

Through trained mentors, structured mentoring circles, and meaningful outdoor experiences, we provide positive male role models and a healthy masculine culture that supports boys during their most formative years.

We Teach Teen Boys:

 

Accountability

Take responsibility for your actions. Honor your word. Show up consistently.

 

Compassion

Understand others. Lead with empathy. Strengthen your community.

 

Confidentiality

Help create safe spaces by respecting privacy and trust.

 

Creativity

Think critically. Solve problems. Adapt to an ever-changing world.

 

Solution-Oriented Thinking

Face challenges directly. Speak truthfully. Look for constructive paths forward.

 

Respect

Treat others with dignity. Value diversity. Live with integrity.

The Journeymen Program

Journeymen is staffed by trained and committed male mentors who have undertaken their own journeys of growth and development.

Our mentors create environments that both support and challenge teen boys as they transition into young adulthood.

 

Throughout the year, boys can participate in:

Each experience is designed to build confidence, character, connection, and purpose.

What Is Journeymen?

Journeymen is a non-sectarian, non-partisan nonprofit organization founded in 2008 in North Carolina to mentor male teenagers ages 13–19 through their passage into manhood.

We believe that when teen boys are seen, challenged, supported, and guided by strong role models, they grow into men who contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

By creating safe and structured spaces where boys can find their voice, develop essential life skills, and pursue their aspirations, we help build resilient leaders for the future.

Board of Directors & Leadership

Journeymen is fortunate to have its dedicated board of directors, all of whom support Journeymen with personal contributions.

Joel Besemer

Executive Director

Joel has been a valuable addition to our Journeymen board of directors with much knowledge to share and a passion for seeing young men reach their full potential. Hailing from Wisconsin, Joel has spent 34 years working with community non-profit organizations, helping with fundraising efforts and strengthening their alumni associations.

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Stuart Motola

Board President

Stuart is a men’s relationship coach, best-selling author, speaker, and entrepreneur who has worked with boys and men for over 20 years and has also owned and operated a youth education company that has touched the lives of more than 35,000 young people.

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Greg Hall II

Secretary

Greg has been in Asheville since 2007 and is passionate about working with youth. He believes in seeing youth thrive and championing them as they pursue their goals.

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Kinsman Beal

Kinsman joined Journeymen as a volunteer for our Rites of Passage Adventure Weekend in 2022 and immediately looked for more opportunities to volunteer with our after-school Community Groups and Crafting Passages workshops.

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Samantha Vigliotti

Program Administrator

Samantha is excited to support the Journeymen mission in our Program Administrator role. As a big sister & aunt to boys the intention behind this organization sits close to her heart. She’s thrilled to be involved as she grows her practice alongside and in alignment with this work.

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Kevin Silva

We are living in a dynamic time filled with change and challenge. Helping boys to navigate adolescence in ways that are clear, strong and compassionate is more critical than ever.

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Benjamin “Wolf” Boudreaux

Treasurer

“I moved to Asheville from Raleigh in the spring of 2021. I’m a singer-songwriter, certified health and life coach, and passionate mentor. I help others bridge the gap between dreams and reality, guiding them toward personal growth and fulfillment."

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