Invest in HOPE
It takes time to heal after being incarcerated and young people need support to also pursue their education and professional goal.
On any given day, at least 60,000 young people under the age of 18 are growing up in juvenile jails versus their own homes. Incarceration for youth in the United States is a problem and our young people are confined in facilities and their development in the outside world is put on pause. This reality is heartbreaking, and therefore we are asking for your help.
Memphis, a young man who was incarcerated and released on May 11, 2022 at the age of 21, had a career plan. He wanted open a farm-to-table restaurant combining his passions for business, nutrition, fitness and cooking and then franchise. He needed a business degree so while in a secure facility, he applied for and was accepted into a two-year program. He faced daunting costs and “confusing” online processes he said. But he learned about the PbS Russ Jennings Scholarship opportunity, applied and was selected a recipient. Today, Memphis is completing the first semester toward earning a business degree, has a part-time job, spends time with his daughter and taps into his creativity as an artist. He also is learning how to send and receive email navigate other changes made to day-to-day living with the support of his PbS Mentor Stephen.
Stephen went through a similar experience four years ago and is passionate about and committed to giving back to other young people. He understands the highs and lows of post-incarceration and the need to have someone to talk to who understands what it’s like. He and Memphis connect just about every week to face the challenges together such as figuring out the online course registration, buying his first car to drive to school and work and managing custody of his child.
Memphis and Stephen are just two of the 120 young people with justice involvement whose lives have been changed thanks to donations to the PbS Education and Employment Foundation. Today, we embark on our Annual Appeal. Our goal is to raise $50,000. Your donation of any amount will give young people the foundation they need to live fully, be successful and not be defined by mistakes from their past. Every donation makes a difference and is gratefully received.