Barbershop Credible Messenger

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What is Barbershop Credible Messenger Mentoring Program?

Our Barbershop Credible Messenger Mentoring Program is for youth at risk in their community and in the juvenile justice system. The Barbershop Credible Messenger Mentoring Program is a transformational process through which individuals from similar backgrounds, especially men and women who were themselves system-involved, engage youth in structured and intentional relationships that help them change their attitudes, beliefs, and actions.

Who is a Barbershop Credible Messenger?

Barbershop Credible Messengers are barbers who have had a history of touching these youth  weekly and bi-weekly in their barber chairs and are able to connect with and motivate the most challenging young people because they:

• Come from the same communities
• Are formerly incarcerated or were involved in the justice system
• Have turned their lives around
• Demonstrate integrity and transformation
• Are skilled and trained in mentoring young people

What Youth Benefit from Barbershop Credible Messenger Mentoring Program?

Barbershop Credible Messengers are needed for youth who fit the following profile:

• Chronically involved in the justice system
• Disconnected from positive supports
• Beyond the reach of traditional social services
• Resistant to Change
• Gang-involved
• High-risk
• Involved in violence

How Can Barbershop Credible Messenger  Mentors Help My Work?

Employing Barbershop Credible Messengers as mentors can improve outcomes for young people in the juvenile justice system. Specific benefits include:

• Increased youth engagement with programs and services
• Reduction in youth re-arrests, violations, and anti-social behavior
• Increased youth compliance with court mandates
• Improved relationships between system stakeholders and community members
• More community capacity to support system-involved youth.