MADISON – A Madison man who is teaching youth about generosity, honor and the value of hard work caught the attention of a national news network.

The “Morning in America” segment on the NewsNation network profiled Rodney Smith Jr. of Madison about his initiative, Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service. Smith founded the service as an inspiring mission that bridges generations.

NewsNation’s “American Hero” profile spotlighted Smith as an individual who brings kindness, generosity and positivity to others.

In 2015, Smith started the organization after he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn. Smith parked his car and then finished mowing the man’s lawn for free. Smith realized that he found his purpose.

Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service blends typical yard maintenance with the commitment to keep girls and boys on a positive path while learning and understanding their value in society.

“Raising Men & Women provides free lawn care to our elders, those who are disabled, single mothers, in-need individuals and our veterans, who do not have the time, resources and/or money to take care of their yards,” Smith said in a previous interview.

To-date, 4,138 boys and girls are mowing yards. The young volunteers have ‘freely’ mowed 21,000-plus yards. The initiative has 250,000-plus supporters worldwide.

Smith created the “50-yard challenge” for youth to mow 50 lawns. The youth only need to send a photograph while holding a sign saying, “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge.” In return, Smith sends safety glasses, ear protection and a white, logo T-shirt. For every 10 lawns cut, the child receives a new color shirt.

Once the kid receives their equipment, they can get to work. When the child has mowed 50 yards, Smith sends a black T-shirt that symbolizes the child’s success.

In addition, Smith drives to the child’s city, or travels internationally, to present a new lawnmower, weed eater and grass blower for completing the challenge.

NewsNation, a national news and entertainment cable network, reaches 75 million television households across the United States. For more information, visit newsnationnow.com.

For more information, call 256-508-9440, email info@weareraisingmen.com or visit weareraisingmen.com.