What is JJM?

JJM (Juvenile Justice Ministry) is one of Stateline Youth for Christ’s (YFC) three core ministries. YFC is a nonprofit organization seeking to empower disadvantaged teens spiritually, socially, and academically through creative programs and healthy relationships with adult mentors.

JJM responds to the needs of teens in tough situations. The first contact is inside a detention facility, and we are then committed to long-term, mentoring relationships that last long after the teen has left the Juvenile Detention Center. Our focus is a balanced ministry that emphasizes the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional aspects of life through healthy relationships with adult mentors and activities-based programming.

Too often these youth become caught in patterns of addiction, crime, and poverty, frequently resulting in a cycle of recidivism. Such youth are lacking positive role models, hope, life skills, and meaningful healthy relationships. 60% of youth released from an Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice facility were arrested again within 1 year, 91% within 5 years. According to a national study, upon 48 months after reentry, youth connected to a mentoring program who completed all the requirements had a recidivism rate of 28% compared to 62% for those not in the program. The value of a robust outreach program, centered upon mentoring, is undeniable.

Through our partnership with Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry, Youth for Christ’s JJM model responds to the needs of incarcerated youth with programs anchored in relationships that encourage conversation and build capacity for success in kids. Mentoring relationships are established, providing the opportunity for compassionate adults to speak into the lives of at-risk youth. Through services during incarceration and upon reentry, offenders will have opportunities to learn healthy patterns of behavior, such as: accountability, integrity, responsibility, and compassion for others.

JJM is a proven program model, operating in more than 20% of the nation’s juvenile detention centers. Local churches are called to action and will create safe environments for at-risk youth. These relationships will open doors and provide opportunities for safe adults to come alongside expressing compassion and support from a large lifelong support network.