We are excited to announce the launch of the Credible Messenger Pilot Program! This week, a team of sixteen Credible Messengers will begin providing transformative mentoring services to youth placed in detention at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar and Campus Kilpatrick in Malibu.
The Credible Messenger Program aims to provide a much-needed support system for young people as they navigate the challenges of the justice system. By connecting youth with mentors who have been through the system themselves, we hope to foster positive relationships with trusted adults who understand the unique challenges they face and are committed to helping them return home with the skills and resources they need to thrive. The Credible Messengers will offer individual mentorship, arts programming, affirmative athletics, restorative justice, and other supportive services.
Credible Messengers during training with CM3, UPI, and DYD.
To prepare for this new role, the Credible Messengers completed an intensive three-week training led by Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3), Urban Peace Institute (UPI), and DYD’s own De’andre Nichols. The curriculum is designed to ensure that the team is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective support. In the coming months, we plan to grow the team and expand services to a variety of other settings.
This program is a collaboration between DYD, Healing Dialogue and Action, the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, the Los Angeles County Probation Department, and many other partners who have helped us explore promising practices in transformative mentorship and helped develop the Credible Messenger model.
DYD believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we are committed to providing the support and guidance they need to get there. We are proud to be launching the Credible Messenger Program and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of young people in Los Angeles County.
