Our Programs
Providing Support, Skills, And Opportunities
Explore Our Programs
01 | The Launchpad
Practical Life Skills & Workforce Readiness
Building Skills For Real Life
The Launchpad is a hands-on life skills and workforce-readiness program designed to prepare youth for greater independence, employment, and adulthood.
Rather than relying on traditional lectures, facilitators demonstrate practical skills in a clear, factual, and judgment-free environment. Youth receive workbook materials to reinforce what they learn and provide resources they can reference later.
What We Teach
Everyday Skills
Learn practical skills such as basic cooking, knife safety, household repairs, and vehicle maintenance.
Financial Basics
Explore budgeting, financial responsibility, and basic tax concepts.
Professional Readiness
Develop professional communication skills and gain knowledge that can help prepare youth for the workplace.
The Goal
Build confidence, increase practical knowledge, and give young people tools they can use as they move toward independence and adulthood.
02 | The Resilient Mindset
Social-Emotional Learning & Positive Youth Development
Building Confidence From Within
The Resilient Mindset is a 12-week social-emotional learning and positive youth development program for students in grades 3–8.
Led by Certified JUVYS Mentors, the program uses interactive activities, reflection, and practical exercises to help youth better understand themselves, communicate with others, and respond to challenges in healthy ways.
What We Develop
Emotional Awareness
Understand emotions and learn how to manage them, especially under pressure.
Positive Relationships
Build communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
Responsible Choices
Develop decision-making, goal-setting, and problem-solving skills.
The Goal
Help youth develop the confidence, resilience, and life skills needed to successfully navigate challenges at school, at home, and in their communities.
03 | Culinary Independence Academy
Culinary Arts & Independent Living Skills
Learning To Cook. Learning To Lead.
Culinary Independence Academy is a 12-week, hands-on program for teens ages 13–18 that combines culinary education with essential life and workforce skills.
Participants learn how to safely prepare food while developing independence, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence through real-world kitchen experiences.
The Final Challenge
Participants put their skills into action by working together to prepare and serve a three-course meal to invited guests at the conclusion of the program.
What We Teach
Culinary Skills
Learn kitchen safety, knife skills, stovetop cooking, roasting, baking, sauces, and proper kitchen etiquette.
Life Skills
Explore food budgeting, meal planning, time management, responsibility, and teamwork.
Workforce Skills
Build communication, collaboration, and workplace habits through hands-on experience.
The Goal
Help youth develop the confidence, resilience, and life skills needed to successfully navigate challenges at school, at home, and in their communities.
04 | I WAN2 LIVE
Violence Prevention, Conflict Resolution & Positive Development
Helping Youth Choose Life
The name of the program, “I WAN2 LIVE” was created by JUVYS President and CEO James W. Turner. The I WAN2 LIVE Program is designed for youth who have experienced childhood trauma, been affected by gun violence, or have lost their appreciation for life.
The program uses evidence-based curricula, workshops, mentoring, and real-life scenarios to create a safe and supportive environment where youth can develop healthier ways to navigate challenges.
OUR FOUNDATION
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
Promote a culture of non-violence while helping youth understand the impact of gun violence.
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.
Our Approach
Through mentoring, interactive workshops, real-life scenarios, and supportive resources, we help youth develop healthier ways to manage challenges and make positive choices.
05 | Mentoring Program
Guidance, Support & Advocacy
Someone In Your Corner
Our Mentoring Program connects youth with positive adults who can provide guidance, encouragement, and support. Through mentorship and additional services, JUVYS works with youth and families to address academic, emotional, personal, and legal challenges.
What We Focus On
Academic & 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 & 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 & 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.
The Goal
Build meaningful relationships while giving youth and families the guidance, resources, and support they need to move forward.
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Help Us Shape The Future
Help Us Shape The Future