But back to mentoring……UJCC’s official mentoring program called Teleion (a Greek word meaning “complete”) Mentoring is a comprehensive re-entry program designed to keep our youth from re-entering probation camps, and other detention facilities. Adult mentors work with the youth to help them develop goals and objectives that will effectively guide them through life’s challenges. The program provides recreational activities, positive social interactions, educational/vocational opportunities, and potentially gainful employment.
UJCC Teleion Mentoring Program specializes in helping juvenile offenders 12-26 years old in Los Angeles County and specific areas of Compton, Watts, Gardena, Inglewood, and Hawthorne improving their long term market prospects. The program serves as a Model for other mentoring programs.
Of course for a lot of the youth in attendance (and adults alike) the highlight of the day was the awesome performances by such entertainers as Du2ce, a gospel singer on a mission to impact the world for Jesus, Moses The Prophet, a rapper from Compton who uses the word of God as his inspiration, Lady Shofar, who gave her life to Christ after giving birth to her daughter…and now holds a master’s degree in Christian Counseling, Pastor Isaac Williams, born and raised in New York, and has formed the record label Miraculous Music Productions. Also performing were Committed Feet, a Christian Dance team at Cal. State Northridge, and the group #ATHNTCPPLE, started by two brothers who was later joined by their two sisters… use their music to reach out to people who are typically not in Church.
And then for many in attendance it was the guest speaker presentations/testimonies by Jemeker Thompson, (aka Queen Pin), Giovanni Stephens, teaches leadership classes, and Monet Bagneris, a USC graduate, singer and actress who spreads the message of healthy lifestyles.
Much appreciation goes out to Bishop Noel Jones of City of Refuge Church, Jean Franklin, UJCC Executive Director UJCC, Zanetta Smith, Teleion Mentor Coord., and the entire Planning Committee. Job well done!
More info: on Mentoring Program go to: www.Teleionmentoring.org