Living A.M.E.N.D.S will connect system impacted youth with prior system youth mentors who have transformed their lives, leveraging shared life experiences to build trust and provide guidance for a positive new direction.
"Our mission is to guide young people to a productive, positive, and prosperous life. We intend to measure our success by that of the success of our mentees."
— Living A.M.E.N.D.S
Our Story
Mentors, being prior system impacted youth themselves, can demonstrate a different path and relate to the struggles of their mentees — creating a more effective, credible, and empathetic support system than traditional programs.
Because those who have lived the experience carry something no curriculum can teach: trust earned through shared truth.
Read our full storyPrograms Built for Real Change
Academic Support
One-on-one tutoring, homework help, and college prep resources to ensure every student has the tools to succeed academically.
Youth Mentorship
Pairing young people with caring adult mentors who provide guidance, accountability, and a consistent, trusted presence.
Leadership Development
Workshops, retreats, and community projects that build confidence, civic responsibility, and the skills to lead.
One Mentee at a Time
Every mentee who earns a G.E.D., enrolls in college, secures gainful employment, or discharges off parole without reactivating — is a credit to our impact.
- Program completion
- Educational achievements (G.E.D., college enrollment & degrees)
- Employment secured
- Recidivism rate
Each mentee's journey is documented in a chronological mentee file — recording their progress, achievements, and outcomes. We report our success, failure, and recidivism rates annually as a percentage of total participants.
"Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution, but furthest from resources and power."
— Glenn E. Martin
Be the Change You Wish to See
Your donation directly funds the programs that give incarcerated youth a real chance — education, mentorship, housing, and career support. Every dollar invested is a step toward breaking the cycle for a young person behind bars.