| The Youth HOPE Foundation, Inc. is a 501(C)(3)
non profit, faith-based organization. It was founded in August of 2003. Our
primary purpose and ultimate objective is to help youth served by Department
of Juvenile Justice in the state of South Carolina find purpose and meaning
in their lives through the application of Christian principals.
We formed this organization because we believe the youth offenders in our
state need caring individuals to develop personal meaningful relationships
with them while they are incarcerated at the Department of Juvenile Justice
(DJJ) and after the juvenile returns home.
There is a continuing need for quality male mentors at DJJ in South
Carolina. Of the entire population of committed youth in our state facility,
62% are black, 78% are male, 53% are from a single parent (2003-2004 SC
Department of Juvenile Justice Annual Statistical Report). Of the youth
committed, 68.1% recidivate following incarceration over a two year tracking
period (SC Department of Juvenile Justice Report Card for 2004). Aftercare
has always been a concern for these youth. Although the juveniles have
access to a community based probation officer upon release, many of these
juveniles return home with no father figure, a lack of marketable job
skills, no positive support system, and lack the resiliency to stay out of
trouble.
We would like to support the Spiritual Mentors who serve the youth at DJJ.
We can help provide additional training, supportive materials or a sounding
board for questions or concerns you may have. Please tell us if you are
interested in a bi-monthly support group meeting on a Thursday evening
following service. We can have the Chaplains do a special activity with the
youth that night instead of holding regular Bible study sessions.
We want to thank you for all your dedication to our youth. Your continued
commitment sends a message that you truly care and want them to succeed.
Please contact us at 803-345-7430 if you would like to be involved in the
Youth Hope Foundation or if you are interested in any of the following
spiritual materials through the Straight Ahead ministries.
Susan Bowman, Chairperson |
