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Volunteer Testimonials

“I wanted to say thanks for organizing the P2C program. I really had a good experience. I've done some other volunteer programs in my years at Maryland, but I often feel like there's a big disconnect between volunteers and the population/issue that they're trying to "help". It's frustrating. I liked the P2C program because it felt genuine, and because at the end it seemed like something good came out of it. Also, the boys in Imani were really fun to be around… Saturday mornings at Oak Hill were the highlight of my last semester of senior year at the University of Maryland." “There is a concept that Huey Newton had that he called revolutionary love. As activists, we often view our work as being tied to some higher cause or meaning. We feel that by doing the work… we are fighting for social justice. Though we are doing this, I feel that we must take it one step further. And that step is love. Loving your community and your people so much that you are willing to dedicate yourself to their uplift is a revolutionary act. Working with JDCY has challenged me in ways that social theory or methodology never has or will. I have been told by these young men that they do not like me, yet they appreciate me. They have also asked me for advice on life, females, children and family in ways that have truly humbled me. This program has given me the fortitude to know that I not only want to pursue a PhD, but I want to use that education to work with people who others are afraid of, and reside in place where most academics would dare not tread. This program has strengthened my faith in the work, and my faith that I am built to do it." “JDCY in my opinion is the answer to people always asking about an alternative way to teach juveniles that crime is not cool and that there is a better way of life. People are always saying that throwing kids in a detention center doesn’t teach them any better but simply punishes them. JDCY comes in and doesn’t just tell them that what hey did was wrong, because everybody else already does that, but instead highlights their strengths and encourages them to build on what they already know. This helps the kids a lot because most of them don’t have positive role models in their lives that they can not only look up to, but also go to to ask questions without being judged or embarrassed." “My experience in JDCY has been unique. It has taught me so much about myself that I may not have learned otherwise. An example of something I have learned is that I can be dedicated to a cause that is much bigger than myself. These boys have taught me that no one is exempt from bad things and no one is prone to good things, it’s just life… One of the fondest memories I have is when one boy in the facility told me that he took to heart a random poem I said in passing. He told me that every night he looks at the poem I wrote down and he reflects... His one statement made everything all worthwhile." “This experience has impacted my life by opening my eyes and broadening my horizons. I feel like before this experience I may have been reluctant to want to help children in these conditions, but now I have found a passion for working with troubled youth." “I really want to be involved with incarcerated/inner city youth and this program has fed into my passion. Im truly blown away with my experience with "A." We created a comfortable learning environment and that taught me a lot about myself as a teacher and a person." “This program has really meant a lot to me. I have made so many fabulous bonds with fabulous people both in and out of the facility … I think that while it may not have surfaced in such an obvious way, we really impacted everyone there. I think everyone took at least one thing away from JDCY. I know that personally I learned and gained a new place in my heart for every one of them at one point or another over this year. I am grateful for what Shani and the program have provided me with and will continue to work for the success of this program."

Prison to College Pipeline Participant Testimonials

(Names have been abbreviated to protect confidentiality)

“This program challenged me by doing things I’ve never did, like writing a college essay and breaking down my goals and future." “I would learn more about good ways to get a job and how to present myself at an interview...it give you a lot to look forward to. They help you with what you want to be in the future.” “I enjoy the group and I really learned something and found what I can do in life as far as school and my future. I appreciate [JDCY] coming and taking time out of the day to visit me/us at Oak Hill. Thank you for your time." “They make us feel like family" “The program had a big impact on me in many was, such as being a leader, following the right people, also the games that we played was a lot of fun and I would like to see more of it. Ya’ll have taught us a lot about how to be outgoing, etc. I think that it should happen more often. I would like to say thank you for your time and dedication."

New Beginnings Scholar Testimonials

“It shows me that other people outside of our families care about our future, and that we can change and this is not the last stop for us. Our future can continue from here.” “This group taught me that young people can make a difference.” “[It was] fun and interesting. We learned about different things. It was something special when other people come in and teach you something you don’t know. And it just feels wonderful being around so many people [who] are positive.” “A fun, educated group that focuses on juveniles trying to turn their life around and focuses on the good life. This impact has put a big toll on my life especially getting to know the group that came. Especially getting to know [my mentor]. She is a real mentor who makes a person want to turn their life around and go to college.”

New Beginnings Staff Testimonials

“I believe that JDCY’s mentoring program will greatly increase our department’s goals of expanding positive youth development opportunities, connecting youth with caring adults, and ultimately reducing recidivism rates for youth involved in the District’s juvenile justice system. The program has already shown positive results and I hope will become a national model that is replicable in other states.” “I would say [JDCY is] a group of individuals that believe in change for our youth no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through. They are all about giving themselves to show the youth that there is another way… Just the dedication and commitment, that takes a whole lot.” “It’s an inspiration to bring in other young people. Y’all have done a heck of a job.”