"The Credible Messenger Initiative" at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is a transformative, mentoring intervention program for youth committed to the agency, with a restorative justice philosophy for young people in the community at large. The mission of the initiative is to connect all young people in the care and custody of DYRS to healthy homes and supportive communities and to provide preventative support to all youth in Washington D.C.
Credible messengers are neighborhood leaders, experienced youth advocates, and individuals with relevant life experiences whose role is to help youth transform attitudes and behaviors around violence. They serve young people whose needs go far beyond the traditional mentoring approach of companionship, confidence-building, and typical academic, social, or career guidance. They are able to connect with even the most challenging young people because they come from the same communities, have experienced incarceration or justice system involvement, have transformed their own lives, embody integrity, and are trained and skilled in mentoring youth.
The Conclusion? THE ANSWER IS IN THE COMMUNITY.
For more information on the CREDIBLE MESSENGER INITIATIVE, please get in touch with Program Manager Norman Brown at (202) 549-5022.
Are you interested in becoming a Credible Messenger?
Overview:
Credible Messengers serve as full-time mentors to youth ages 14–21 who are committed or post-committed to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). They lead group and individual counseling sessions and work directly with youth in the community, including in assigned DC Public Schools and DC Libraries.
Credible Messengers must have a solid understanding of the juvenile justice system and referral resources available in the District of Columbia. They should also be familiar with the unique dynamics of various family structures, including blended families, single-parent households, dual-income families, and grandparents raising grandchildren. Knowledge of local social service organizations, DCPS, DC Housing, DC Courts, and mental health, substance abuse, and youth programs is essential.
Program Purpose:
The Credible Messenger Initiative supports youth in changing the attitudes and behaviors that led to justice system involvement. The program helps them reintegrate into their communities by building connections to education, employment, and mentorship.
Core Program Components:
- Restorative justice group sessions to reconnect youth and families with their communities.
- Covenant of Peace curriculum delivered by culturally competent mentors.
- Counseling aligned with each youth’s Individual Development Plan.
- Group sessions focused on life skills, education, and personal growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitate group sessions using DYRS-approved curricula.
- Foster a strong sense of community among participants.
- Provide counseling to DYRS youth to support their success at home, school, and in the community.
- Offer similar support to DC Public School students to improve behavior, attendance, and academic performance.
- Support positive youth engagement at assigned DC Libraries.
- Collaborate with DYRS staff to help youth achieve their Success Plan goals.
- Attend youth Team Decision Meetings (TDMs) and conduct home, school, and facility visits.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of individual and group sessions.
- Facilitate individual and/or family group counseling sessions.
- Be available by phone outside of regular hours to provide crisis support.
- Offer on-site coaching and guidance to families navigating the juvenile justice system, including explaining Family Court processes and acting as a liaison between families and DYRS staff.
- Help families connect with other service systems, such as education, child welfare, housing, and mental health providers.
Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of DC court-involved youth systems and services (e.g., DOES, RSA, DBH).
- Ability to engage with youth and families with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and nonjudgmental support.
- Experience providing life coaching or mentorship to youth (paid or volunteer).
- Flexible schedule, including availability for evenings, weekends, and on-call support.
- Proficiency in using computers and completing data entry.
- Adequate verbal and written communication skills.
- Understanding of the Juvenile Justice System and related fields such as education, mental health, and child welfare.
- Deep familiarity with DC neighborhoods and local resources.
To apply, please contact a program coordinator listed in the provider's directory below:
- East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership | Ms. Kecia Barnes, [email protected], (202) 812-4438
- Alliance for Concerned Men | Mr. Stanley Jones, [email protected], (202) 957-3768
- InnerCity Collaborative Community Development Corporation | Rev. Judie Shepherd-Martin, [email protected], (240) 304-6822, or Mrs. Lakisha Johnson Evans, [email protected], (240) 988-7861
- Sasha Bruce Youthwork Inc. | LaShelle Richmond, [email protected], (202) 870-8201
- Grow Up, Grow Out | Mr. Landon Starkey, [email protected] (615) 593-9868
- Mind Kind, LLC | Ms. Mikala Martin, [email protected], (202) 277-6297
