Males With A Plan
Our Story
In 2009, Larry Smith’s brother, Miles, tragically died by suicide. From that profound loss emerged a vision to create a safe and supportive space for young men. Drawing on both his educational background in Social Services and his personal journey, Larry has dedicated his life to transforming the lives of others through mentorship, guidance, and hope.
Our Goal
Males with a Plan exists to empower young men by breaking cycles of isolation, fear, and hopelessness. We focus on building resilience and purpose through a three-phase approach:
-
Peer-to-Peer Discussions – Real conversations that build trust and brotherhood.
-
Community Engagement – Activities that promote connection, mentorship, and exposure to positive role models, including career-oriented men who share their experiences and guidance. Creating safe spaces where young men feel seen and supported.
-
Economic & Employment Sustainability – providing pathways to stability, opportunity, and growth.
Our Impact
We address the social, emotional, and economic challenges that contribute to antisocial behavior and suicidality. Our mission is simple yet powerful:
replace isolation with connection, fear with confidence, and hopelessness with purpose.
Larry L. Smith, QMHP, M.A.
Larry L. Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of Males with a Plan and a seasoned mental health professional, suicide prevention advocate, and community leader with a profound commitment to empowering individuals impacted by trauma.
He earned an Associate Degree in Social Services from Kennedy-King College and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in the same field, with a minor in Social Work, from Chicago State University. During his undergraduate studies, he was named to the National Dean's List and awarded the prestigious Chicago Defender Scholarship. He later earned a Graduate Merit Scholarship from Northeastern Illinois University, where he completed his Master of Arts in Inner City Studies with a concentration in Suicidality. He is a proud member of the illustrious Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., one of the most esteemed organizations in Black Greek life.
With over a decade of experience, Mr. Smith has provided counseling, mentoring, and case management across diverse settings, including school systems in Chicago and Northwest Indiana, psychiatric hospitals, and correctional facilities. His work emphasizes trauma-informed care, prevention strategies, and holistic support systems for youth and families.
In addition to his executive leadership, Mr. Smith is a Licensed Suicide Prevention Instructor and a Certified Parent Educator. He also serves on the advisory board of Gary Neighborhood Services and is the Director of Kappa League, where he leads mentorship efforts and champions access to resources in underserved communities.
Mr. Smith’s work is anchored in cultural competence, compassion, and a lifelong dedication to healing, empowerment, and social impact.
