Editor’s note: Those interested in the program can contact Young Men and Women for Change at 567-277-5352.

When Susan Roach was worried her son might revert to old habits, she knew whom to call.

Last year, the 10-year-old had completed an area scared-straight program, “Dose of Reality,” organized by Shawn Mahone, Sr.

Even mentioning a message to Mr. Mahone would go a long way, she said.

“He doesn’t want to let Shawn down, or for Shawn to be disappointed in him,” said Ms. Roach, 52, of Toledo.

Mr. Mahone founded the Young Men and Women for Change organization, which began administering the course about five years ago. The group conducted its 80th session Friday.

Ms. Roach said it’s unfortunate that many children do not have a father figure. Mr. Mahone’s program helps fill the gap.

“If they’re old enough to disrespect authority and their mom, they’re old enough to get the help they need,” she said.

Patrice Frazier said she too has seen a change in her grandson’s attitude after going through the program several years ago while in the fourth grade. Mr. Mahone instills the need to treat teachers and other adults with respect, she said.

“Shawn has helped me out tremendously with him,” said Ms. Frazier, 55, of Toledo.

Students learn to manage situations without resorting to violence, to avoid substance abuse, and to recognize human trafficking. Corrections officers and former inmates also share their stories, said Mr. Mahone, 48.

The sessions run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for those between the ages of 5 and 17. Instructors focus solely on parents for the first hour. Attendees have visited the Cherry Street Mission Ministries and lobby of the Lucas County jail.

The sessions are held once, but Mr. Mahone will follow up with youths afterward if problems arise.

IN PICTURES: Young Men and Women for Change

He called it the only program of its kind in the area.

“If we do not step up and help our youth now, our communities are going to turn into war zones, as they’re already doing,” Mr. Mahone said.

Born and raised in Toledo, Mr. Mahone developed the course to give back to young residents. About 20 to 30 youths attend each class, and more than a thousand have completed the $99 course, Mr. Mahone said.

Disrespect and defiance are common problems to address, he said. The instructor begins by ordering students to complete various exercises, including pushups, situps, and jumping jacks.

“We take the youth, break them down, and build them back up,” he said.

Mr. Mahone said without addressing problems, many youths will continue toward bleaker outcomes, ticking off items such as incarceration, homelessness, and death.

“I can tell you now, this is a much-needed program in the city of Toledo,” he said.

Donald Robinson has spent five years with the group, and serves the Dose of Reality program director. He draws from his time in the Army when pushing students during the exercise portion, he said.

Doing so teaches students to follow orders and perform an act they do not want to do, said Robinson, 54, of Toledo.

“You’re going to respect an adult, plain and simple,” Robinson said.

Robinson said he was sentenced about 20 years ago to prison in Colorado after being convicted of drug possession. Now, he hopes to encourage youth toward completing high school and succeeding.

“They can dig themselves out of the situation they find themselves in,” he said.

Those interested in the program can contact Young Men and Women for Change at 567-277-5352.

Contact Blade staff writer Ryan Dunn at: rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @rdunnblade.

First Published March 27, 2016, 4:00 a.m.