Building Men on the Gulf Coast: Omega Lamplighters Mentorship Program

That’s the driving force behind the Mississippi Gulf Coast Omega Lamplighters, a 501(c)(3) mentorship program serving boys in sixth through twelfth grade across eleven school districts on the coast. And if you’ve got a son who needs strong male role models, consistent accountability, and a community that will invest in his future, this program deserves your attention.

Dr. Brian Barkley, Alternative School Principal in Moss Point and one of the leaders of the Lamplighters, has seen firsthand what happens when young men lack structure and mentorship. He’s spent eleven years in the Moss Point School District, and he knows the difference between a boy who’s drifting and one who’s being intentionally shaped by men who care.

“We’re sitting at about thirty boys right now, spread across Moss Point, Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Long Beach,” Dr. Barkley explains. “About half of them are from Moss Point, but we’re serving boys from eleven of the thirteen school districts in the area.”

The Lamplighters program isn’t affiliated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., but it is supported by Alpha Sigma Sigma, the local chapter in Jackson County. These are men who understand that mentorship isn’t passive. It’s active, consistent, and demanding. And it produces results.

Two Major Events This Month

Health Fair: Saturday, November 22nd (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

The Lamplighters are hosting two simultaneous health fairs to serve families across the coast:

East Side (Ocean Springs and East):
Family Education Center, Moss Point (Old West Elementary on Prince Avenue)

West Side (West of Ocean Springs):
Family Enrichment Center, Gulfport

Here’s what makes this health fair different: the American Red Cross is partnering with the Lamplighters for a blood drive. For every unit of blood donated, the Red Cross will make a contribution directly to the program. Dr. Williams at Moss Point School District is incentivizing teachers to participate, and CTE health students will be on site conducting vital sign checks and health screenings for attendees.

This isn’t just a health fair. It’s a community investment. You give blood, you get a health check, and you fund mentorship for boys who need it. That’s a win across the board.

Vendors are welcome to participate at no cost. If you’re in the health and wellness space and want to serve the community, fill out the vendor form on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Omega Lamplighters Facebook page.

Boys to Men Dinner: Sunday, November 23rd

This is where the program shines.

The Boys to Men Dinner is a black-tie event designed to give young men an experience most of them will never forget. Every Lamplighter will receive a professional haircut (donated by Infinity Barber School), a tuxedo (sponsored by Men’s Wearhouse with a $70 discount), and a seat at a formal dinner recognizing men in the community who exemplify character, service, and leadership.

This year, twenty-three men from across the Gulf Coast will be honored.

The day starts at the Elks Lodge in Biloxi, where the boys will get their haircuts and suit up. Then they’ll participate in a “man walk” to the Groot Center in Biloxi for the dinner. It’s not just a meal. It’s a statement: you belong here. You’re capable of more than you think. And there are men who believe in you.

Parents can sponsor a young man’s participation in the event, covering the cost of his haircut, tuxedo, and dinner. If you want to invest in a boy’s future in a tangible way, this is how you do it.