Yesterday, I had an incredibly impactful visit to the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, where I had the privilege of speaking with youth who are serving varying lengths of time, from as little as eight months to as long as seven years. Some of these young individuals are in for acts of unimaginable violence, yet all of them shared one thing in common: deep regret.
One conversation, in particular, left a profound impression on me. A young man expressed his heartbreak over taking the life of a friend from his own neighborhood, and the burden of knowing he could never return home because of it. As he spoke, I fought back tears but mustered every ounce of encouragement I could to remind him that his life could still have meaning beyond the walls that currently hold him.
This moment hit home for me, as someone who has personally experienced the devastating loss of my brother at the hands of 4 teenage kids. I understand how heavy and emotional situations like these are for everyone involved.
To all of you who dedicate your lives to working with youth in custody and on probation, I want to send you my deepest gratitude. Your hearts and passion are seen and appreciated. Some of these young people have no one else but you—you are their only outlet, their guide, their hope.
Please continue doing the work that God has placed in your life. You may never know the full impact of your efforts, but believe me, you are making a difference. These youth need you.
Thank you for being the light in their darkest moments. Keep going—you are changing lives.
Special thanks to my brother Isboset Moreno for the invitation. And thank you San Diego Workforce Partnership for the work you are doing with our reentry family
#YouthJustice #JuvenileRehabilitation #SecondChances #CommunityImpact
