JUVYS

Empowering Families & At Risk Youth

I WAN2 LIVE PROGRAM

JUVYS

Empowering Families & At Risk Youth

I WAN2 LIVE PROGRAM

About us

About Us

The Future’s in our Hands

Jaded Unprotected Volatile Youth Services, Inc. (JUVYS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving at-risk youth in Franklin County, Ohio. Through our mentorship services, we aim to create a positive impact on the lives of families and at-risk youth to reduce the crime rate in our community. With a personal and relatable approach, we differentiate ourselves from larger competitors by focusing on building strong relationships with the youth and their families.

Mission

Create a safe and healthy environment for at-risk youth by supplying programs and resources that aid and assist youth in becoming positive and productive citizens.

Vision

Meet each child where they are and provide lifelong tools that promote positivity and productivity with the hopes of reducing the youth crime rate.

About Us

The Future’s in our Hands

Jaded Unprotected Volatile Youth Services, Inc. (JUVYS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving at-risk youth in Franklin County, Ohio. Through our mentorship services, we aim to create a positive impact on the lives of families and at-risk youth to reduce the crime rate in our community. With a personal and relatable approach, we differentiate ourselves from larger competitors by focusing on building strong relationships with the youth and their families.

Mission

Create a safe and healthy environment for at-risk youth by supplying programs and resources that aid and assist youth in becoming positive and productive citizens.

Vision

Meet each child where they are and provide lifelong tools that promote positivity and productivity with the hopes of reducing the youth crime rate.

Our Team

James Turner

President & CEO

Read Bio

James W. Turner is a dedicated leader and advocate for at-risk youth and their families, serving as the CEO and President of J.U.V.Y.S. which is an acronym for Jaded Unprotected Volatile Youth Service. With a passion for empowering young individuals, James has been actively engaged in youth development for many years, utilizing his own experiences as a restored citizen to inspire and mentor others.

A certified Credible Messenger Mentor through the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3), created the opportunity forJames to mentor young boys and girls in Columbus City Schools. James went through training and received his certificate from The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. James has also completed specialized training in Adolescent Substance Abuse and Misuse through SheRay’s & Associates LLC (BIPOC) Black Indigenous People Of Color Prevention Skills Training. James is also a Social Service Assistant and Community and Social Service Specialist certified through Sinclair Community College. His credentials as a licensed Interventionist, along with his previous involvement in the Columbus Violence Reduction (CVR) initiative as an Independent Contractor, reflects his commitment to community service and social impact.

In addition to his professional achievements, James enjoys coaching youth basketball and football, promoting physical fitness and teamwork among young athletes. He is also passionate about public speaking, sharing his journey and insights with diverse audiences and students at The Ohio State University.

In his personal time, James finds joy in playing video games with his children, watching thrilling horror movies, and engaging in strategic chess matches. His creative pursuits include writing poetry and music, as well as visiting schools and facilitating programs to connect with students and foster their growth. James W. Turner is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in their communities.

Natasha Turner

COO/Secretary

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With a degree in Early Childhood Education and over 23 years of experience in the field, I am dedicated to nurturing young mind and making a positive impact in the community. As a certified intervention assistant with Columbus City Schools. I have honed my skills in supporting diverse learning needs. In addition, I proudly own two childcare centers, where I strive to create a nurturing and enriching environment for children.

As a devoted wife and mother, family is my cornerstone; I cherish being a homemaker and love celebrating the holidays with my loved ones. When I’m not working, you can find me traveling, mentoring others, or shopping. I am passionate about serving my community and always seek opportunities to lend a helping hand. My commitment to education, community service, and family defines who I am.

Maurice Pleasants

Board Member

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I am founder and president of MoEquity, LLC and “The Creative Real Estate Workshop”. I am passionate about using my years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, small business coach and speaker to work and give small and solo business owner clients the proven skills, strategies, systems and tools they need to turn their passion and hard work into more profits and a great lifestyle. I help to turn struggling self-employed people into successful, profitable entrepreneurs.

In the past 35 years, I have owned and grown several successful small businesses where I have been responsible for every aspect of business growth. In 2007 I founded MoEquity, LLC.

“I believe we all have so much more potential than we give ourselves credit for, and we have the ability to use our business success to create a meaningful life that includes financial independence, purpose and service. To help clients with challenges come up with ways to create something bigger than they thought possible is what motivates me each day.”

Background

I was born and raised in a family owned business that initially launched my business career. I started working in the family business at an early age and continued to work throughout my teenage years. I graduated high school then hired on with CSX Railway while continuing to work in the family business and while working as a semi professional musician. I have always worked and had multiple streams of income. I attended business school in West Virginia and graduated from the West Virginia Business Incubator Fast Track II program. I went on to work as a business analyst for the George S. May company, business consultant for Great Western Business Services, Coordinator for World Leadership Group and now a full time real estate investor, commercial banker, business consultant, coach, author, speaker and owner of College Prep Sports, Agency.

Read Bio

James W. Turner is a dedicated leader and advocate for at-risk youth and their families, serving as the CEO and President of J.U.V.Y.S. which is an acronym for Jaded Unprotected Volatile Youth Service. With a passion for empowering young individuals, James has been actively engaged in youth development for many years, utilizing his own experiences as a restored citizen to inspire and mentor others.

A certified Credible Messenger Mentor through the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3), created the opportunity forJames to mentor young boys and girls in Columbus City Schools. James went through training and received his certificate from The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. James has also completed specialized training in Adolescent Substance Abuse and Misuse through SheRay’s & Associates LLC (BIPOC) Black Indigenous People Of Color Prevention Skills Training. James is also a Social Service Assistant and Community and Social Service Specialist certified through Sinclair Community College. His credentials as a licensed Interventionist, along with his previous involvement in the Columbus Violence Reduction (CVR) initiative as an Independent Contractor, reflects his commitment to community service and social impact.

In addition to his professional achievements, James enjoys coaching youth basketball and football, promoting physical fitness and teamwork among young athletes. He is also passionate about public speaking, sharing his journey and insights with diverse audiences and students at The Ohio State University.

In his personal time, James finds joy in playing video games with his children, watching thrilling horror movies, and engaging in strategic chess matches. His creative pursuits include writing poetry and music, as well as visiting schools and facilitating programs to connect with students and foster their growth. James W. Turner is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in their communities.

Read Bio

With a degree in Early Childhood Education and over 23 years of experience in the field, I am dedicated to nurturing young mind and making a positive impact in the community. As a certified intervention assistant with Columbus City Schools. I have honed my skills in supporting diverse learning needs. In addition, I proudly own two childcare centers, where I strive to create a nurturing and enriching environment for children.

As a devoted wife and mother, family is my cornerstone; I cherish being a homemaker and love celebrating the holidays with my loved ones. When I’m not working, you can find me traveling, mentoring others, or shopping. I am passionate about serving my community and always seek opportunities to lend a helping hand. My commitment to education, community service, and family defines who I am.

Read Bio

I am founder and president of MoEquity, LLC and “The Creative Real Estate Workshop”. I am passionate about using my years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, small business coach and speaker to work and give small and solo business owner clients the proven skills, strategies, systems and tools they need to turn their passion and hard work into more profits and a great lifestyle. I help to turn struggling self-employed people into successful, profitable entrepreneurs.

In the past 35 years, I have owned and grown several successful small businesses where I have been responsible for every aspect of business growth. In 2007 I founded MoEquity, LLC.

“I believe we all have so much more potential than we give ourselves credit for, and we have the ability to use our business success to create a meaningful life that includes financial independence, purpose and service. To help clients with challenges come up with ways to create something bigger than they thought possible is what motivates me each day.”

Background

I was born and raised in a family owned business that initially launched my business career. I started working in the family business at an early age and continued to work throughout my teenage years. I graduated high school then hired on with CSX Railway while continuing to work in the family business and while working as a semi professional musician. I have always worked and had multiple streams of income. I attended business school in West Virginia and graduated from the West Virginia Business Incubator Fast Track II program. I went on to work as a business analyst for the George S. May company, business consultant for Great Western Business Services, Coordinator for World Leadership Group and now a full time real estate investor, commercial banker, business consultant, coach, author, speaker and owner of College Prep Sports, Agency.

Dr. Terrance Hilton

Board Member

Read Bio

As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Hinton’s work intersects across the criminal justice, public policy and administration field. In his academic career, he has served as a professor at various universities that include stints at Franklin University, Columbia Southern University and the Ohio State University. He also teaches an Inside Out Corrections Course through the Ohio Prison Exchange Education Project that combines both Ohio State students and incarcerated students in class together. In 2023, Dr. Hinton was awarded 2022-2023 Lecturer of the Year at Ohio State within the Sociology Department for his efforts.

Dr. Hinton has also served on multiple research projects at Ohio State within the Criminal Justice Research Center and Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center, where his research and scholarly contributions focused on reentry topics such as workforce development, education, recidivism, community corrections, public health and other existing barriers that prevent individuals from reintegrating back into society.

Community wise, Dr. Hinton has instructed, mentored and assisted over 4,000 justice involved citizens for reentry purposes. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Hinton served as Program Manager for Reentry Services for a nonprofit agency called Alvis Incorporated in Columbus, Ohio, where he led two workforce development programs that assisted justice individuals in helping to navigate the barriers that they face upon leaving prison. His contributions in the criminal justice field have been highlighted within peer reviewed journals, op-eds and magazines for corrections professionals. His work has also been featured in the Columbus Dispatch, NBC4 WCMH-TV News Columbus and WOSU Public Media Radio.

Shemia Bowels

Board Member/Treasurer

Read Bio

Mia Bowels is a bank executive representative, business manager and owner/operator of Honey do Helping hands personal assistant services. Mia has been working with non-profit organizations that support the youth within Columbus, Ohio and surrounding cities. She mentors children and creates everlasting bonds while connecting communities with resources to support developmental growth.

With over 10 years of experience in personal assistance and mentorship. Mia has created lasting relationships that continue to grow even after her move to new ventures and opportunities. She is passionate about life and creating a path to success for others. She strives to leave a lasting impression by sharing knowledge and resources.

Irene C. Lyons

Board Member/Spokesperson

Read Bio

Irene has a passion for service to those who deserve another chance to pursue their careers and continue to be productive members of their communities.

Irene has served at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for close to 30 years. She served in the Office of Reentry for five years January 2017- 2021 and was responsible facilitating reentry initiatives for individuals returning to and living in Franklin County with criminal histories/backgrounds. She was the statewide coordinator for the Ohio Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) and the Ohio Benefit Bank Services (OBS). Prior to becoming a Reentry Administrator Irene served in the DRC Legislative Office as the Executive Assistant and then Legislative Liaison for over 20 years and assisted with several of DRCs policy initiatives, (HB130) created the Ohio Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition, (HB113) Ohio’s Faith-Based Initiatives Taskforce and Ohio’s Sentencing Reform law (HB86/SB 337). Irene Lead a team to create Franklin County First Step among a host of initiatives to assist individuals returning to communities throughout the State of Ohio.

Irene has both her Law Degree from Pepperdine University, and a Master Of Science Degree in Human Resource Management from Graziadio Business School (Pepperdine University). Irene has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University. Irene became a credentialed Ohio Certified Public Manager in 2014, from the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. She is the Immediate Past President of the Ohio Certified Public Manager Society. She co-chaired the Pickaway Correctional Institution’s Women in Corrections Team (2016). She is a member of Ohio Women in Government (OWIG-2016) Steering Committee and Diversity Committee (2019-2022), Ohio Women in Government Spotlight Member (2021), DRC’s Justice Involved Women’s team and How Being Trauma Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses trainer (2017), National Association Professional Women – Woman of the Year (2015). Currently, Irene is the 1st Vice President of Programs for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central Ohio Chapter and has served as Chair of Public Policy, and Financial Secretary, Member of the Bylaws and Finance and Fund Development committees and served on the National Audit Committee and Legal Services teams.

Read Bio

As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Hinton’s work intersects across the criminal justice, public policy and administration field. In his academic career, he has served as a professor at various universities that include stints at Franklin University, Columbia Southern University and the Ohio State University. He also teaches an Inside Out Corrections Course through the Ohio Prison Exchange Education Project that combines both Ohio State students and incarcerated students in class together. In 2023, Dr. Hinton was awarded 2022-2023 Lecturer of the Year at Ohio State within the Sociology Department for his efforts.

Dr. Hinton has also served on multiple research projects at Ohio State within the Criminal Justice Research Center and Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center, where his research and scholarly contributions focused on reentry topics such as workforce development, education, recidivism, community corrections, public health and other existing barriers that prevent individuals from reintegrating back into society.

Community wise, Dr. Hinton has instructed, mentored and assisted over 4,000 justice involved citizens for reentry purposes. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Hinton served as Program Manager for Reentry Services for a nonprofit agency called Alvis Incorporated in Columbus, Ohio, where he led two workforce development programs that assisted justice individuals in helping to navigate the barriers that they face upon leaving prison. His contributions in the criminal justice field have been highlighted within peer reviewed journals, op-eds and magazines for corrections professionals. His work has also been featured in the Columbus Dispatch, NBC4 WCMH-TV News Columbus and WOSU Public Media Radio.

Read Bio

Mia Bowels is a bank executive representative, business manager and owner/operator of Honey do Helping hands personal assistant services. Mia has been working with non-profit organizations that support the youth within Columbus, Ohio and surrounding cities. She mentors children and creates everlasting bonds while connecting communities with resources to support developmental growth.

With over 10 years of experience in personal assistance and mentorship. Mia has created lasting relationships that continue to grow even after her move to new ventures and opportunities. She is passionate about life and creating a path to success for others. She strives to leave a lasting impression by sharing knowledge and resources.

Read Bio
Irene has a passion for service to those who deserve another chance to pursue their careers and continue to be productive members of their communities.

Irene has served at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for close to 30 years. She served in the Office of Reentry for five years January 2017- 2021 and was responsible facilitating reentry initiatives for individuals returning to and living in Franklin County with criminal histories/backgrounds. She was the statewide coordinator for the Ohio Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) and the Ohio Benefit Bank Services (OBS). Prior to becoming a Reentry Administrator Irene served in the DRC Legislative Office as the Executive Assistant and then Legislative Liaison for over 20 years and assisted with several of DRCs policy initiatives, (HB130) created the Ohio Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition, (HB113) Ohio’s Faith-Based Initiatives Taskforce and Ohio’s Sentencing Reform law (HB86/SB 337). Irene Lead a team to create Franklin County First Step among a host of initiatives to assist individuals returning to communities throughout the State of Ohio.

Irene has both her Law Degree from Pepperdine University, and a Master Of Science Degree in Human Resource Management from Graziadio Business School (Pepperdine University). Irene has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University. Irene became a credentialed Ohio Certified Public Manager in 2014, from the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. She is the Immediate Past President of the Ohio Certified Public Manager Society. She co-chaired the Pickaway Correctional Institution’s Women in Corrections Team (2016). She is a member of Ohio Women in Government (OWIG-2016) Steering Committee and Diversity Committee (2019-2022), Ohio Women in Government Spotlight Member (2021), DRC’s Justice Involved Women’s team and How Being Trauma Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses trainer (2017), National Association Professional Women – Woman of the Year (2015). Currently, Irene is the 1st Vice President of Programs for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central Ohio Chapter and has served as Chair of Public Policy, and Financial Secretary, Member of the Bylaws and Finance and Fund Development committees and served on the National Audit Committee and Legal Services teams.

Dr. Kevin Coghlan

Board Member/Research Specialist

Read Bio
Dr. Kevin Coghlan lives in Columbus, OH. He studied psychology and sociology at Middle Tennessee State University and National University, and is an associate professor at Edison State Community College in Piqua, OH. 
Read Bio
Dr. Kevin Coghlan lives in Columbus, OH. He studied psychology and sociology at Middle Tennessee State University and National University, and is an associate professor at Edison State Community College in Piqua, OH. 

MENTORING PROGRAM

Academic And tutoring Support

We will provide tutoring, homework assistance, and study skills training to help youth improve their academic performance and develop a strong educational foundation. 

Counseling and Emotional Support

Our team of youth counselors will offer individual and group counseling sessions to address emotional issues, build resilience, and enhance coping skills. 

Life Skills Training Workshops

We will offer workshops and interactive sessions to teach essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and goal-setting. 

Advocacy and Court Support

We will assist youth and their families in navigating the court system, attending hearings, and ensuring their voices are heard. Our team will advocate for alternative solutions to incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and community-based support. 

MENTORING PROGRAM

Academic And tutoring Support

We will provide tutoring, homework assistance, and study skills training to help youth improve their academic performance and develop a strong educational foundation. 

Counseling and Emotional Support

Our team of youth counselors will offer individual and group counseling sessions to address emotional issues, build resilience, and enhance coping skills. 

Life Skills Training Workshops

We will offer workshops and interactive sessions to teach essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and goal-setting. 

Advocacy and Court Support

We will assist youth and their families in navigating the court system, attending hearings, and ensuring their voices are heard. Our team will advocate for alternative solutions to incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and community-based support. 

I WAN2 LIVE PROGRAM

The name of the program, “I WAN2 LIVE” was created by James W. Turner. It is a program geared toward kids who have experienced childhood traumas, been affected by gun violence and have lost their appreciation for life.

Objective
The objective of the “I WAN2 LIVE” Program is to give the kids that we serve the want, will and reason to live a healthy, safe and productive life. We will do this by using evidence based curriculums used across the United States.
Mission
JUVYS Mission is to create a safe and healthy environment for the participants enrolled in our program by supplying activities and resources that will aid and assist them in becoming positive and productive citizens.
Vision
JUVYS Vision for the “I WAN2 LIVE” Program is to meet each child where they are at. To also, provide them with lifelong tools that promote positivity and productivity in helping them combat gun violence, enhance conflict resolution with hopes of reducing the youth crime rate.
Goal
JUVYS Goal of our initiative is to empower youth by enhancing their understanding of higher education, promoting gun violence prevention and equipping them with effective conflict resolution skills. By providing workshops and mentoring we aim to demystify the pathways to higher education, illustrating its importance as a tool for personal and community growth. Simultaneously, we will address the critical issues of gun violence, fostering a culture of non-violence and encouraging young people to engage in peaceful dialogue and problem solving. Through interactive activities and real-life scenarios, we will help youth develop the necessary skills to navigate conflicts constructively, ultimately contributing to safer, more informed communities.

Life Skills Gallery

Juvys Event Gallery

Trunk or Treat Gallery

Recreational Therapy

Donations

We are able to accomplish our mission at Jaded Unprotected Volatile Youth Services, Inc. (JUVYS) through the generosity of donations from individuals and organizations. These contributions allow us to provide mentorship and support to at-risk youth and their families, helping to reduce the crime rate and strengthen our community. Every donation directly impacts the lives of those we serve, enabling us to continue building strong, lasting relationships and creating positive change.

Please send donations via Zelle or Cash App
Zelle: (614) 290-2637
Cash App: $jjuvys

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