“You Are Not Forgotten”: Staying Connected Through COVID-19
By: Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Arc
Tags: Covid 19, Prison, Incarceration, Youth Development, Criminal Justice Reform

Raeshone Holmes, a Life Coach at Sacramento ARC, supports youth and women’s programming in Sacramento. Shone has always wanted to work with youth to show them she, too, was once in their shoes, and that change is possible and hope is necessary.

“It’s important for them to know they are not forgotten,” Holmes said. “They need to know that someone out there cares for them, and know that we will go the extra mile to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in life. ARC is doing a spectacular job at advocating for our youth and helping them succeed in a world that is not kind to them.”

Another ARC mentor and Youth Facilitator, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has been passionate about working with youth since 1991. They have been supporting ARC youth programming inside juvenile facilities for nearly a year. Through sharing their own experience, they seek to develop strong and lasting connections with the youth they work with.

“When I was a kid, in the juvenile system, I felt alone and isolated. I don’t want the youth to feel like that,” the ARC mentor said. “That’s why working with youth is important to me. It’s important for them to know we are still here, and it’s important for us to keep our promises, to stay connected with them and not abandon them.”

Rodney Bryant (ARC Life Coach)

Rodney Bryant, a juvenile life coach at ARC, has worked with youth for over 15 years. He created a mentoring program for youth after he saw how many young people were being sent to adult facilities.

“It’s important for youth to know they are not alone. This new virtual experience is even more engaging and fascinating for our youth,” said Bryant. “They look forward to putting together life plans and setting goals during our sessions. It’s important for youth to have an outlet; they need to trust you in order to open up. They are hungry for knowledge about future careers, and I am proving myself by following through. Youth gravitate towards trustworthy individuals and it’s important that we show up consistently for the youth, especially during these times.”

Juan Rivera, Yolo Life Coach

Juan Rivera, a juvenile life coach at ARC, began working with youth due to his own life experiences. Having admired the hard working and compassionate social service practitioners he’d come into contact with, coupled with volunteering opportunities he engaged in as an undergraduate student, he saw the level of impact caring adults can have in the lives of youth, especially those who lacked a positive role model.

“It is important to help our youth by empowering them to recognize that they are able to accomplish their life dreams and goals. Often, many youths that we work with suffer from low self-esteem and lack many soft skills that are pivotal for their self-growth,” Rivera said. “In addition, it is important that we help not only the youth, but their families, as risk factors are rooted from areas that are beyond their control. We must continue to advocate for our youth and families and change laws that provide a disservice for our communities.”

It is critical for the youth inside Yolo Juvenile Detention Facility to know they have mentors who are still showing up and remaining accountable. ARC will continue to stay connected beyond COVID, and we are fortunate to have partnerships that allow us to be creative with our programming and connect virtually to support our participants.