By Joy Rediger, Urban Light Community Development—
MUNCIE, IN—Recognizing the number of youth who are disconnected from traditional programs, the number of families experiencing stress and trauma, and the increasing number of juvenile delinquency cases and court-involved youth, especially for youth of color, a diverse group of local partners began meeting to discuss solutions. The group – comprised of mental & public health representatives, juvenile justice professionals, community organizations, and local government – desired a strategy that meet youth and families where they are in their own neighborhoods.
Over the last 18 months, this group worked together to identify best practices in violence prevention and juvenile justice initiatives. The Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3) was identified as a strategy that would work well in Muncie neighborhoods. At the heart of this program are natural neighborhood leaders who blend together their own personal experiences, which includes justice system involvement, with intentional training to prepare them to mentor disconnected youth. Central to the approach are adults who connect, mentor and motivate the most at-risk youth to successfully challenge and transform destructive thinking, attitudes, and actions.
Fifty community members and organization partners will participate in a 3-day training, September 27-29th, to learn about CM3 and develop the skills to become Credible Messengers. Training will be provided in Muncie by the Academy for Transformation Change (ATC) of Columbia, Maryland. ATC’s philosophy is that “the growth and development of the individual is contingent on the growth and development of those who work with them.”
Support for the training is being provided by the 8twelve Coalition, through a CenterPoint Energy Grant, Delaware County’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Grant, the City of Muncie, and the Delaware County Commissioners. Urban Light Community Development is managing the local training logistics. Funding is also being sought to pilot a program of 2 youth mentors who will participate in the training, to work in Thomas Park/Avondale and Industry Neighborhoods.
For more information about the training and to help support the pilot program: please contact, Joy Rediger, Urban Light Community Development at jrediger@urbanlightcdc.org.
