Ministries of the Youth Hope Foundation

1. Chaplains Support

Youth Hope ministers to the needs of the Chaplains. We want them to have everything they need to foster HOPE for the incarcerated youth and their families. The Chaplains are instrumental in the spiritual development of the youth who come to DJJ. Many of the youth there have no spiritual direction in their lives. Youth Hope provides help to the Chaplains in several areas:

§ Christian literature (inspirational books, Bibles, and devotional materials)

§ Inspirational DVD’s for the youth

§ Incentives (cards, stamps, extra hygiene, parties and cookouts)

§ VBS supplies (Vacation Bible School)

§ Worship service supplies (music equipment, discipleship classes, etc.)

§ Spiritual mentors/Bible Study volunteers (devotional materials, special recognition, training)

Yearly Budget:  $1,400.00
[$600 from HIS House Ministries,  $800 from Youth Hope]

 

2. Family Outreach

Youth Hope wants to encourage families to be involved in their child’s life while at DJJ and after they return home. Because families are from all over the state of South Carolina we had to think of a way to involve all families. Family Focus happens twice a year and is always on Sunday to encourage families to share worship together.

Family Focus Day was started as an attempt to involve families of juveniles at the Department of Juvenile Justice. Because so many of the youth do not have family visits we wanted to find a way to tell parents how important their role is in the success of their child. We also wanted to find a way to inform as many families as we could about how they can help their child once they return home. We begin with a worship service and then provide information for parents on helping their child with their GED, job and career assistance that is accessible in their community, and other services that are available to them. We invite families to enjoy a meal with their child. During this time there is staff available to answer any questions or concerns parents may have. Parents have found this very helpful. We also provide free helpful resources for the families.

Yearly Budget:  $1,500.00
[$500 from Ashland United Methodist Church, $1,000 from Youth Hope]

3. Aftercare Services

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 an Intensive Supervision Officer, and 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.

Youth Hope plans to open a group home in Richland County for youth who have served time at Department of Juvenile Justice and are returning to the local community. We can’t do this without the help of others who believe in the potentials of these young men who desperately need a second chance. This house will serve as a transition home for these youth by providing help in life skills, job readiness, educational assistance, counseling, and spiritual mentoring. Help us make this home a reality by giving a tax deductible donation of $20,000 to cover the start-up costs and if you wish, we will name the house in your honor. To find out how you can help call 803-345-7430 or 803-318-0016.

4. Educational Scholarship

The YuFong Chong Scholarship Fund was established to honor Chaplain Chong and his dedicated service to the youth at DJJ for 31years. Chaplain Chong has initiated so many wonderful programs at DJJ to help the youth. He provided countless hours of counseling, held grief groups, life skills training, parenting classes, spiritual development, creative incentive programs, Bible classes, coordinated volunteer ministry programs at DJJ, initiated programs to provide personal supplies to all youth, just to name a few. His efforts at DJJ has helped so many youth find new hope back in their community and a desire to make something of themselves. Many have gone on to college or trade school and have successful jobs now. In an effort to continue his ministry after retirement, we have established a scholarship fund that will be awarded to a deserving juvenile each year to help them pursue their education by either attending a college or trade school.

Yearly Budget:  $1,000.00

5. Publicity

In order for our foundation to survive we need the help of others in the community. It is important to provide information to the public about our foundation and opportunities for involvement. We appreciate the efforts of companies like Professional Printers, Wentworth, Help-Net and YouthLight, Inc. that have provided free or discounted services.

§ Web site

§ Marketing Materials

§ Fundraising

§ Public Speaking

Since we began in 2003

Our accomplishments have included:

- Assisting the Chaplains at DJJ

- Sponsoring Family Focus events twice a year

- Teaching life and vocational skills to youth

- Collecting hygiene items for the youth

- Providing Bibles for the youth

- Purchasing materials for the volunteer spiritual leaders

- Recognizing the volunteer spiritual leaders at DJJ

- Helping with GED preparation

- Creating a scholarship to help youth continue their education

- Donating needed items for youth at DJJ

- Providing special incentives for youth

- Leading support groups for youth