MEN OF TOMORROW PROGRAM HELPS REDIRECT YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS FROM THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

MEN OF TOMORROW PROGRAM HELPS REDIRECT YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS FROM THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

 

Mysja Blackshear 

11/20/2023

 

This photo was captured at the Stark County NAACP Youth Empowerment Series on November 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., during an event focused on guiding individuals on how to respond in a situation involving a traffic stop

                                                                                                                                                                                                            For Andre Green, becoming part of the Men of Tomorrow program was an obligatory requirement, as mandated by the juvenile court. 

 

“We got to talk about things like how to control my anger and how to give respect to earn it. This is something I struggled with,” said Green, a 16-year-old in Stark County. In 2020, Green faced a felony charge, but this year brought about a more favorable turn of events. 

 

Under the mandate of a judge, Green found himself obligated to join the program. Yet, he chose a different course, taking a daring leap of faith to construct a life outside the confines of the justice system.

 

The program offers young offenders in the legal system a second chance in life.

The Men of Tomorrow is a young men’s non-profit program in Canton that mentors young men to make better decisions. The Canton municipal court funds this program, which receives grants from the state and welcomes

donations to aid its work with young men who have been involved in the justice system.

                                                                                                                                                                                

Trusted male mentors help at-risk young men on probation or involved with the law who would be a potential risk to the community. 

 

 “Most of our kids haven’t gotten in trouble with the courts within a year,’ said mentor Isaiah Smith. 

 

“The purpose is to help young men get their lives back on track and help them have a positive male role model,” said Jamar Fleming, the program director.

 

Fleming said some mentees grew up in broken homes or didn’t grow up with a father, which is why having a positive male role model in their lives can be beneficial.

 

 “I can relate to these young men, which is why it makes my job easy because I understand the feeling of not having a father,” said Fleming.” We strive to keep them out of the justice system; this year, I have seen most of them open up about not having a father who pushes them to do better, and they have,” said Fleming 

 

The mentors of the program help build a trusted relationship and foundational life skills by having groups and nurturing one-on-one coaching. These discussions revolve around real-life scenarios, tackling subjects like making informed and responsible decisions. They also explore the potential consequences if one cannot fulfill their responsibilities.

 

Each Sunday class focuses on lessons that involve improving life skills. These life skills include character building, responsibility, and behavior at home, school, and in the public. 

 

During Sunday class, they discuss different career paths and create a plan to reach their goals. Green made a three-year visual board plan to remind him of his goals for the future.

 

Sometimes, special guests join their Sunday discussions to share their life stories with the young men to inspire them that it is not too late to try to make better decisions. Some Sundays involve taking them out to eat, lessons, life coaching, and educational skits based on real-life situations. 

 

They get rewards for doing good, “This year, we took the kids to Virginia Beach due to seeing good improvement in their behavior, life, school, home, and in the program,” said mentor Isaiah Smith.

 

Every mentee has the chance to explore diverse opportunities within the community, including participating in public events, going on vacations, and dining at a restaurant of their choosing.

 

“We allow them to experience greater things outside of the current life they are living,” said Fleming. He also mentioned that they encounter various influential individuals in the community. Additionally, they receive instruction in essential life skills, including managing their emotions effectively and responding appropriately to specific situations. This preparation aims to equip them for success in life and help them steer clear of any potential difficulties.  

 

In Green’s case, he has shown the improvements to being a good role model and what it takes to get there.

 

Fleming believes that this program has changed Green’s life and perspective of being a good leader in the community. According to Fleming, Green hasn’t had any court involvement within the past year and has improved his behavior, academics, and attendance in school.

 

Green’s mother talked about Green’s behavioral improvements within the home and in his behavior.

 

“He’s lived a rough life without his father being around. He’s been throughout the justice system since he was twelve, but now I have no trouble out of him, and he’s been helpful to his siblings and obedient to me,” said Patty Green.

 

Green believes he has a bright future ahead of him and is striving to achieve his goals to get there.

 

 “I want to be a lawyer one day. I don’t want to die from being in the streets; there is more out there for me, so I have a plan,” said Green. Green’s goal is to reduce street violence in his community someday. 

 

Sources

 

Isaiah Smith: 3303167852

Jamar Fleming: jmarf@gmail.com

Patty Green: (Doesn’t wish to be contact)

Andre Green: (Minor, gave no contact info)