Ready Yourself For the Future
Empowering young men to be outstanding leaders since 2010
Ready yoUrself For the Future Leadership Team
Anthony Graham - Founder
Contact # 256-652-1790
e-mail agrahamruff@gmail.com
Lorie Wilson - Director of Operations
Contact # 205-270-6981
e-mail lwilsonruff@gmail.com
Jeff Owen - Board President
Contact # 256 -527-3289
e-mail - ruffpresident@gmail.com
Bruce Skrabanek - Board Vice President
Contact # 256-929-2917
e-mail - ruffvicepresident@gmail.com
Diane Sterling - Board Secretary
Contact # 256-655-1254
e-mail - ruffsecretary@gmail.com
Vanessa Schulte - Board Treasurer
Contact number - 571-435-3986
e-mail - Rufftreasurer@gmail.com
Karen Owen - Board Public Relations Director
Ready yoUrself For the Future established 12/10/10
Email: agrahamruff@gmail.com
Website: www.ruffleadership.org
Location: 25836 Melrose Lane, Madison, AL, United States
Phone: 256-652-1790
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RUFF-Ready-yoUrself-For-the-Future/189305831107430
Twitter: @readyyourself
February Schedule of Events
Teachable Tuesday - "Taking Ownership"
We will be covering the topic of "Taking Ownership" of our decisions and actions.
Please sign up here:
Tuesday, Feb 9, 2016, 06:00 PM
Discovery Middle School, Hughes Road, Madison, AL, United States
"Don't Just Exist" Parent/young man Mandatory Meeting
Mandatory meeting for all those going on the "Don't Just Exist" Leadership retreat Feb 12 - 14.
Tuesday, Feb 9, 2016, 07:15 PM
Discovery Middle School, Hughes Road, Madison, AL, United States
"Don't Just Exist" Leadership Retreat
We are excited to be taking 25 young men to this leadership retreat. The theme is "Don't Just Exist".
Please sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0949afa822a31-dont
Friday, Feb 12, 2016, 04:00 PM
https://www.vrbo.com/122970#location
Teachable Tuesday - Women & Dating
The young men will learn how to properly treat a lady. We will cover issues such as: introducing yourself, proper manners when your with a girl, how to ask out/break up with a girl.
Please sign up here:
Tuesday, Feb 23, 2016, 06:00 PM
Discovery Middle School, Hughes Road, Madison, AL, United States
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT R.U.F.F.
When and where did R.U.F.F. begin? R.U.F.F. began on December 10, 2010 at Heritage Elementary school.
Is R.U.F.F. a nationally recognized organization? No, R.U.F.F. was founded by Anthony Graham for the young men of Northern Alabama.
Is R.U.F.F. a non-profit? Yes, R.U.F.F. is recognized as an operation 501C3 by the Federal Government. Our tax id number is 47 - 2490837.
Who can join R.U.F.F.? Any 5th - 12th grade young man coming from ANY TYPE of family situation. Registration for DEVELOP class # 3 begins May 2016.
What are the demographics of DEVELOP class #1? White - 55%, African-American - 33%, Asian/Pacific Islander - 5%, American Indian/other - 7%
How is/are the character trait(s) being taught to the young men? The R.U.F.F. leadership team currently writes and teaches our own curriculum based off the needs of our boys and the issues of our community and nation. We teach in large and small group settings, one-on-one counseling sessions and/or over technology methods.
What is DEVELOP, INPSIRE, EMPOWER and LEADER? These four programs are designed by the R.U.F.F. leadership team to turn our young men into outstanding leaders in their schools, homes and communities, Each program is a year long class. The boys start their R.U.F.F. journey in DEVELOP and have to graduate each level in order to move through the ranks.
How are donations used? 100% of the money donated goes directly to the young men, their families and ways to give back to our community. Our current goal is to pay for 75% of all activities and trips for our young men.
What is the current/projected R.U.F.F. budget? $40,000 a year in 2014 -2015: $80,000 in 2015 - 2016; $180,000 in 2016-2017 and $200,000 in 2017 - 2018.
What schools are associated with R.U.F.F.? We are currently working with young men from the following schools: Bob Jones, James Clemens, East Limestone High School, Columbia High School Discovery Middle School, Liberty Middle School, Hampton Cove Middle School, Heritage Elementary, Horizon Elementary, Country Day School, Columbia Elementary, West Madison Elementary, Rainbow Elementary and several home school young men.
TESTIMONIALS
"I can't tell you how refreshing it was to see 4th, 5th, 6th graders recognizing the importance of their choices that positively reflects on the group." Russ Kennigton, Captain, City of Madison Fire & Rescue
"It's making responsible citizens. One of our key elements of education is preparing future leaders for our country and this is helping meet those needs." - Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler
Mr. Graham is a man who gives of himself freely, not only to his family and the school kids, but his community. His involvement with fostering positive development in our boys plus being a great teacher, makes this a win/win for our kids and community. John D ~ Proud parent of R.U.F.F. son
I think that RUFF is an important organization because it helps us understand what life will be like. It helps me realize that I will be an important person and with the right decisions I will be successful…..John August Busch, former R.U.F.F. member
Let it be known to the world that Mr. Anthony Graham is a wonderful influence on the young men he has taken under his wing. Thank God for blessing my son and these other young men with such an AWESOME role model! I'm sure other parents won't mind me speaking for them and saying THANK YOU!!!! - Lorie W. - R.U.F.F. parent
Two years ago our son came home from school and said he wanted to join RUFF. What’s rough we asked? Anthony Graham came into our home and hearts and has become one of the most generous, positive role models my son has ever had. His program teaches our young men how to have Courage when their self confidence is being tested, Integrity when it would be easier to go along with his peers, and unconditional love and guidance that makes them strong of heart. Anthony has the gift that touches people’s heart with his words and sincerity, his passion is unequaled. - Char J. R.U.F.F. parent
“I have seen the R.U.F.F. program in action, and it is outstanding. The program teaches and instills core values of integrity, commitment to excellence, and leading by example to our youth. I continue to receive comments from parents with children in the program, and they are very thankful for what this program has done for their child. It is a motivational, team building, friendship bonding program that is shaping our youth today……to be our future leaders!” - Troy Trulock, Madison Mayor
Spotlight on R.U.F.F. Member of the Month
Eric is a seventh grade student at Hampton Cove Middle School. Born and raised in the Rocket City, Eric is a lover of Science and Social Studies. He loves to play video games such as Call of Duty: Ghost, and NBA 2K15. Eric is also an avid fan of LSU Football and watches the game every Saturday. He has volunteered several places with his friends at RUFF but Eric's favorite place to volunteer has been with Christmas Charities Year Round. He is looking forward to this years eventful holiday season.