Valentine’s Day Youth Project
At Fathers & Families Support Center (FFSC), we believe a youth’s past mistake is not the end of his story. We stand on the conviction that restoration is always possible—and that a person’s future should be defined by their capacity for growth, not anchored to their past.
In the quiet corridors of the Division of Youth Services (DYS), hope can sometimes feel like a scarce resource. For many young people navigating the juvenile justice system, the world outside feels unreachable. But FFSC is changing that narrative.
Thanks to our donors, FFSC is honored to be among a select few agencies granted entry into DYS to facilitate our Youth Leadership & Development Program (YLDP), helping at-risk youth overcome barriers to their success.
Flour, Frosting, and Families
This February, we brought a little extra heart into our sessions. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, our YLDP participants engaged in a hands-on activity focused on creativity and connection.
The room transformed into a workshop of “positive expression” as the youth baked and decorated cookies and crafted handmade bracelets for their mothers and loved ones.
This wasn’t just about the sweets; it was a powerful exercise in gratitude.
As they mixed ingredients and carefully selected beads, the atmosphere shifted. Mentors used the moment to reinforce key life skills:
- Patience: Waiting for the perfect bake.
- Intentionality: Choosing colors and designs that meant something to their families.
- Communication: Sharing stories about the special people in their lives.
“Watching these youth take such pride in creating something for someone else highlighted their immense capacity for empathy and emotional growth,” explains Director of Youth Services, Shan Oliver. “While the work is rooted in deep personal reflection, the connection is what makes it stick. Our facilitators bring an energy that reminds theseyouth that they are still teenagers with potential, humor, and dreams.”
“It Didn’t Feel Like Class”: Voices from the Inside
When asked about their time with the FFSC team, the feedback was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do:
“We were actually laughing and learning at the same time. It’s the first time in a long time I felt like a leader instead of just a ‘resident’.” — Marcus, age 17
“FFSC doesn’t look at us like we’re broken. The activities were actually fun, and they kept it real with us. I’m actually excited about what I’m going to do when I get home.” — D’Andre, age 16
“It’s different when the people teaching you actually care. We had a blast baking and making stuff, but I also walked away knowing I have a second chance.” — Jordan, age 18
Rebuilding the Foundation
By the time these youth transition back into the community, they aren’t just “released”—they are prepared. Because of your support, FFSC is able to bridge the gap between incarceration and integration, ensuring that when these doors open, they stay open.
