MAN MAKER FOR
JUVENILE DENTION
OVERVIEW
Since 2019, Man Maker Academy has
transitioned 51 young men through our 8-
week mentoring program. At least 7 of
those young men were referred by a
probation officer, attorney, or the
Rutherford County Courts. Out of the 7
young men that completed the program, 5
of them are either in college, working a
steady job, or functioning as a decent
citizen. Neither of the young men
mentioned returned to or re-entered the
Juvenile Detention Center. The success of
these young men was no accident. We
vehemently believe that Man Maker
Academy impacted their lives in such a way
that it provided for them another option or
pathway to live out the rest of their lives.
The purpose of this program proposal to
the Rutherford County Juvenile
Court/Detention Center is to show how we
believe this program could effectively
empower young men who are nearing
release and will transition back into our
community.
Most of the young men we work with have
no idea who they are and what kind of a
man they want to be and in most cases it
is their curiosity that leads to their
detainment. While we understand that not
all young men that are detained will
respond to Man Maker Academy
successfully, I fully believe that a great
number of the young men who are
searching for positive male influencers and
identity will certainly benefit from the
content presented and provided by Man
Maker Academy.
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To ensure the success of the program and
resources, certain young men should be
considered for Man Maker
Academy. Because participation is
required in the coaching sessions, young
men who will not be engaged or
participate will not benefit from the 8-
week mentoring. However, many young
men are late bloomers and slow starters so
it may take a couple of weeks. I propose
that participants that meet the following
criteria should qualify for Man Maker
Academy; If the candidate is nearing a
court date that could lead to his release
(maybe Crossover Ceremony could be his
release date), If the candidate is on
probation and nearing the end of his
probationary period, is a repeat visitor
but shows signs of behavior change,
and/or comes from a single mother home,
he may qualify to attend Man Maker
Academy.
The above-mentioned suggestions could
provide an incentive for the young man to
turn his life around and fully engage in the
8-week program as he anticipates an
impending release from juvenile detention or end of probationary his period.
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