How Family Support Gives Hope to Vulnerable Youth

Robby* was a teen boy struggling with social pressures whose risky choices led him into serious trouble. Overwhelmed but determined, Robby’s mother knew she had to make some of her own choices to protect her son. Then Florida’s Juvenile Diversion Program referred him to a One More Child Family Support program called Hope for Youth

This is how God worked through Hope for Youth to redirect a young man who trying to find his way.

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:14 NIV

In partnership with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the Hope for Youth (HFY) program is a prevention initiative to address youths’ risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system. Hope for Youth is a civil citation or similar prearrest diversion program for males ages 9-18 and females ages 12-18. It helps address a youth’s behavior at his or her first encounter with the juvenile justice system or at any time that it would be beneficial.

Program benefits include:

• Preventing future encounters with the juvenile justice system.
• Developing resilience in youth and their ability to pursue goals.
• Empowering youth to connect with their community and understand their role in improving their communities.

Most importantly, HFY empowers families and encourages healthy relationships at home. Families of youth participants are extended support through weekly check-ins with parents and caregivers and provide tangible needs their families may need.

The Hope for Youth program provides intervention services that help youth develop and refine foundational traits essential for positive self-development, social and emotional skills, resilience building, and life skills. Youth participants of the Hope for Youth program gain positive experiences, including academic enrichment and mentoring, and time for prayer and devotion are also included. Participants are also provided snacks or a light meal. Transportation is also available if needed.

The attention given to each youth participant in HFY is individual, comprehensive, and caring. We hope that participants experience God’s love and His greater plans and purpose for their lives.

Though Robby seemed hesitant and withdrawn during the first few sessions, the staff continued encouraging, praying, and pursuing a connection with him as they moved through the program. Eventually, his engagement and participation increased in the subsequent Hope for Youth program sessions.

“Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” Proverbs 2:11 NIV 

About one month after beginning classes, Robby completed the entire program. His mom celebrated with him at the completion ceremony when he received his certificate.

One More Child’s Family Support staff often follow up with participants a month after graduation. However, the program staff rejoiced when they immediately received a text message from Robby’s mother with a picture of Robby hanging his completion certificate on his wall at home.

Robby’s mother also expressed gratitude to the One More Child’s Hope for Youth team for helping her son learn to manage his anger and build his confidence. She went on to share that her family felt supported throughout the entire process.

We are grateful that Robby’s mother witnessed her son’s accomplishment, which she noted is a source of pride for her and her son. However, we are even more grateful that Robby is proud of his new path.

There are three ways you can give hope to vulnerable youth:

• Please pray for guidance and vision for our leaders, dedicated workers to join our mission, and the children and families we serve to embrace Jesus as their Savior.
• Serve at HopeStreet or volunteer in another capacity at One More Child. We believe the harvest is great, and many hands are needed!
• Give to One More Child. Your contribution supports vulnerable children and struggling families just like Robby’s.

Thank you for prayerfully considering helping us reach one more like Robby.

*Names have been changed for privacy.