Creating connections that last a lifetime—this is the benchmark of success for Son of a Saint, a non-profit organization that provides mentorship, wraparound services, and opportunities to young boys in New Orleans who have lost their fathers. The organization was founded in 2011 by Bivian “Sonny” Lee III who lost his father to a heart attack at an early age. The program inducts new mentees starting at age 10, and participants remain involved until the age of 21. As Son of a Saint approaches its 15th anniversary, the full scope of its impact comes into view as alumni begin to find success in their young adulthood.
“We will be fifteen years old on January 1, 2026, and that is great for our legacy, for our tenure, and for what’s still building,” said Elliot Hutchinson, Creative Director at Son of a Saint, who started as a volunteer with the organization nearly 10 years ago. “But it’s interesting because with the type of work we do, the full journey for each mentee takes close to 11 years. So, in some ways, we are still just hitting our stride with these fifteen years.”
According to Hutchinson, the first few classes of alumni are now reaching the point in young adulthood where they are starting families and embarking on their careers. As Son of a Saint alumni branch out into the realm of adulthood, the genuine relationships they have forged throughout their journey will serve as foundational support in their adult lives.
When participants enter the Son of a Saint community, they are assigned to an in-house case team. That team consists of case managers, mental health specialists, as well as success coaches, who work in tandem to address and support the individualized needs of the child, whether emotionally, psychologically, or academically.
Additionally, each boy enrolled in Son of a Saint is paired with an adult male mentor through a series of organic opportunities and extracurricular activities. Son of a Saint recognizes the importance of allowing young men to choose a mentor based on personal connections and shared interests. In turn, the mentor commits to maintaining a strong connection with his mentees for years to come.
Son of a Saint also makes room for the boys to connect with volunteers and staff through various programs and scheduled engagements, which are typically upwards of 30 per month. If a participant wishes to explore a new mentorship over time, arrangements can be made involving the mentee, the new mentor, staff, and the participant’s family.
“When you are in Son of a Saint you stay connected. It’s a decades-long, lifelong collaboration process,” Hutchinson said.
Cemon “CC” Anderson’s journey exemplifies everything Son of a Saint hopes to instill in the lives of its young men. Anderson graduated from Son of a Saint in 2019, and the mentors he found through the organization continue to play a pivotal role in his life today. His designated mentor was Chris Musco, but Anderson also shared how he developed meaningful connections with several staff members, as well as long-time Son of a Saint partner and supporter, Lon Nichols, Director of Human Resources for Felipe’s Taqueria.
“When I first met Lon, he was a real stickler for the rules, which I definitely needed,” Anderson said. “Once I got to know him and actually talked to him, I saw how Lon is a person who will bring out the best in anyone. He can push you to your limits. Somehow, he knows your limits better than you do. He’s like the perfect role model.”
"Cemon has always stood out as a leader, even in his younger years,” Nichols said. “Whether through his dedication to learning every position within his work environment or the respect he shows to everyone around him, he has earned his success every step of the way. Watching him grow into the accomplished manager, leader, and father he is today has been an absolute privilege. His genuine smile and his commitment to making others better are truly inspirational."
This past December, Anderson was promoted to Restaurant Manager at Felipe’s Taqueria’s Uptown location, after moving through the ranks starting in 2021. To support his transition into this leadership role, Felipe’s provided Anderson with the opportunity to participate in the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Program last month.
“I never saw myself becoming a manager. It’s not easy, and it’s been a big change,” Anderson said. “Now, I am responsible for the whole restaurant.”
According to Anderson, the 3-day training program proved to be a valuable resource, illuminating key aspects of leadership, including how to take initiative, delegate tasks, manage employee mistakes, and foster a positive and trusting work environment.
The connection between Felipe’s Taqueria and Son of a Saint endures, with meaningful and impactful ways to not only support the organization’s young mentees in their career opportunities, but also the nonprofit’s holistic mission. For the entire month of May, Felipe's Taqueria will raise money for Son of a Saint by offering the round-up option for guests at all four New Orleans restaurant locations. Round-up fundraisers give guests the option to round up their total check to a whole dollar amount as a donation to a charity or community cause. This May, Felipe's Taqueria will match the collective round-up donations made by their guests to benefit Son of a Saint.
Several years ago, while attending college in Maine, Anderson made the decision to return home to care for his grandmother whose health was failing at the time. His grandmother, who was his guardian for much of his childhood, has since passed away, but Anderson fondly reflects on his memories of her and how it brought a smile to her face to see him succeed during his time at Son of a Saint.
“She prepared me for the world as best as she could,” shared Anderson. “She got to meet my wife and my daughter before she passed, and she would be proud of the man that I’ve become.”
Son of a Saint has woven a multi-dimensional tapestry over the years that extends across disciplines, industries, and generations. The program empowers young men to delve into fields that ignite their interest while providing access to resources that will nurture their well-being and aspirations. The Son of a Saint Headquarters, affectionately known as “The Clubhouse”, is always bustling with activity. Monday through Thursday, academic resources are available, including a computer lab, library, tutors, and even a robotics club. On the weekend, the modular furniture and creatively designed spaces shape shift to accommodate various recreational activities. Cooking lessons, movie nights, fishing trips, fitness training, video gaming and so much more, provide lasting memories and life lessons that will enrich the lives and relationships of these young men for years to come.
“Son of a Saint saved my life, if I’m being honest,” Anderson said. “It taught me how to be a man.”
For more information, or to support Son of a Saint as the GiveNOLA Day 2025 charitable donation period approaches from April 29 to May 6, please visit: .