I
began working for Project Uth Turn as an Outreach Coordinator
in May 2004.
I
worked out of New Life Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York, with
at-risk youth. I conduct one-on-one and group counseling,
conflict resolution training and life skills training.
At
least once per week I appear in court on behalf of at-risk
youth to convince the judge to release the youth to our program
conditionally. On September 1, 2004, I was assigned to Bethany
Baptist Church in Newark New Jersey to work with Dr. M. William
Howard, Jr. (The past President of NYTS), to form what is
now called Bethany Uth Turn (the first attempt to expand Uth
Turn nationwide). We have the contract with New Jersey Juvenile
Justice System to work with 30 youth, ages 13-21, at the Essex
Home (similar to Spofford in New York) where I'm working with
transition and aftercare services, that include counseling,
anger management, life skills, job readiness training, etc.
Additionally,
I have made connections with vital resources and mentors to
facilitate the youth transition and aftercare once prisoners
are released. Certainlly, it was New York Theological Seminary
(NYTS), that opened the doors for me to make the smooth transition
that I made once being released from prison.
Uth
Turn has 13 sites throughout the New York City area, and are
all run by graduates of the Sing Sing MPS program.
It
appears to be vital resources that could be allocated positively
out here where it is needed.
IN
ADDITION ...
I,
along with my son, have formed an entertainment company (Gran-Paw
Entertainment inc.), with 13 talented youth signed to our
label. We will be a major player in the music induatry. Look
out for the hit tunes!
IN
CLOSING ...
There
are many graduates of NYTS in prison who could be positive
contributors in society with no risk to the community. All
they need is a chance...
