The Males Place

Elder Matthew Charity

Elder& Mentor

At The Males Place, Matthew Charity is affectionately known as “The African Army Knife” because of his versatility, dedication, and hands-on commitment to helping the organization and its Warriors thrive. Whether he’s mentoring young men in public speaking, working tirelessly in the Males Place Garden, or supporting organizational initiatives, Matthew does it all with passion and precision. His role extends far beyond mentorship—he is a pillar of support, a teacher, and a guiding force, ensuring that the Warriors not only grow mentally and emotionally but also develop essential life skills that will serve them on their journey to manhood.

One of his most profound contributions is his unwavering dedication to The Males Place Garden. Matthew spends countless hours planting, replanting, maintaining, and beautifying the garden, ensuring that it remains a clean, thriving, and abundant space for learning, growth, and community engagement. His hard work ensures that the garden is not just a plot of land, but a living classroom where Warriors develop responsibility, discipline, and a connection to the earth. His efforts reflect the core values of The Males Place—sustainability, self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation.

Elder Charity is also instrumental in helping the Warriors build confidence in public speaking. With his background as a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) with Toastmasters International, he coaches young men on effective communication, articulation, and leadership presence, ensuring they can express themselves with confidence and clarity. His guidance has helped Warriors excel in public forums, panel discussions, and presentations, reinforcing the importance of strong voices and self-assurance in leadership.

Beyond his work at The Males Place, Matthew has had a distinguished career in both military service and human resources. He is a retired HR Supervisor from the U.S. Postal Service and a retired Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, where he served honorably during Desert Storm/Desert Shield. His military background instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, integrity, and service—values that he continues to impart to the young men he mentors.

Matthew is also a lifelong learner and active community volunteer. He holds a diploma in Computer Operations from Central Piedmont Community College and an Associate Degree in Human Resource Management from the Community College of the Air Force. In addition to his mentorship at The Males Place, he is an improv student and instructor, teaching improv techniques to school-age students, and a talented African drummer who performs throughout the year. He also dedicates time to volunteering in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system, further demonstrating his passion for youth development and education.

Elder Charity’s mentorship is driven by the powerful words of
“Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.”