Empower Justice: Resources for Youth Awareness
A comprehensive initiative designed to raise awareness and educate the community about the resources available for justice-impacted youth — providing young people affected by the criminal justice system with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.
Mission statement
Empower Justice: Resources for Youth Awareness aims to foster engagement, resilience, and support for justice-impacted youth and their families. We provide comprehensive mentoring, case management, counseling, youth coaching, and academic support, while facilitating communication between incarcerated parents, their children, and caregivers. Through education, resources, and advocacy, we strive to empower these young individuals and their families to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Vision statement
Our vision is a supportive and informed community where justice-impacted youth and their families are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. We envision a future where these young individuals, despite their circumstances, can build strong, positive relationships, excel academically, and lead fulfilling lives. This program aspires to create lasting change by promoting family unity, reducing recidivism, and advocating for policies that support the well-being of justice-impacted families.
Objectives
- Raise awareness: Increase public understanding of the challenges faced by justice-impacted youth and their families, and the resources available to support them — particularly incarcerated parents and their children.
- Educate the community: Provide educational materials and workshops on the needs and rights of justice-impacted youth and families, emphasizing the impact of parental incarceration.
- Support youth and families: Offer direct support and resources that help families navigate unique challenges and improve family stability.
- Advocate for change: Promote policy changes that benefit justice-impacted youth and families, focusing on supporting incarcerated parents and enhancing family reunification.
Key components
Educational workshops & seminars
Interactive community workshops on the experiences of justice-impacted youth, plus tailored seminars for youth and families focused on empowerment, resilience, family support, and available resources.
Resource distribution
Comprehensive guides and toolkits covering educational opportunities, mental health services, legal aid, and family support services — plus an online resource hub for youth, families, and incarcerated parents.
Mentorship & support
A mentorship network connecting youth with positive role models, mentorship for incarcerated parents to strengthen family relationships, and facilitated support groups for peer connection.
Advocacy & policy initiatives
Working with policymakers on policies that support justice-impacted families and family reunification, and engaging community members in local advocacy.
Program services
1. Mentoring
A mentorship network connecting justice-impacted youth with mentors who provide guidance, support, and positive role models — extending to incarcerated parents to help them maintain and strengthen family relationships. Family mentorship pairs families with experienced mentors who offer advice on navigating the challenges of having an incarcerated parent.
2. Case management
Personalized case management ensures youth and families receive the support and resources they need, with family support coordination that helps families access housing, healthcare, and legal aid.
3. Counseling
One-on-one counseling helps children with incarcerated parents cope with emotional and psychological challenges, while family counseling improves communication and strengthens relationships between incarcerated parents, their children, and caregivers.
4. Youth coaching
Life skills coaching builds resilience, self-esteem, and positive behavior. Career and academic coaching offers guidance on career planning and academic achievement so youth can set and reach their goals.
5. Academic support
Tutoring services help children succeed in school despite their challenges, and academic workshops focus on study skills, time management, and college preparation.
6. Facilitated communication
Virtual visitation programs allow incarcerated parents to stay connected with their children and caregivers, and communication workshops teach children and caregivers effective strategies for staying in touch.
Impact
Empower Justice aims to create a supportive and informed community that understands the unique challenges faced by justice-impacted youth and their families. By providing education, resources, and advocacy, the program empowers young individuals and their families to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
Get involved
Community members can get involved by attending workshops, volunteering as mentors, participating in advocacy efforts, and spreading awareness about the program. Donations to My Fairy GodParents also help sustain and expand the program’s reach and impact. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of justice-impacted youth and build a more just and supportive community.
Empower a young person this year.
Your support funds mentorship, counseling, academic help, and family connection for justice-impacted youth.