NCJ Number
239355
Date Published
2011
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This report documents the work of Men in Motion in the Community (MIMIC) in Philadelphia, which provides services designed to prevent violence in the West Kensington neighborhood, where nearly half of Hispanic and Black children live below the poverty line.
Abstract
The MIMIC works closely with the Latino Juvenile Justice Network (LJJN), which is linked to the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). This report describes MIMIC's structure and outcomes, with attention to best practices and future challenges for its efforts to reduce the interaction of Latino youth with the juvenile justice system, support previously incarcerated men, and strengthen the community. MIMIC is a volunteer organization whose objects are to build bridges of community support and social bonds for high-risk youth, young adults, and previously incarcerated men through mentoring, community engagement, and educational enrichment. The organizational structure consists of a board of advisors, a president, and MIMIC members and volunteers. Their responsibilities within the organization are described. Referrals are made to programs for job placement and adult education. Training in personal financial management and computer literacy are available. MIMIC as an individual organization and in partnership with the LJJN has had a significant impact in its community. Youth have been helped to stay in school and out of the juvenile justice system; and MIMIC has advocated for reforms in the juvenile justice system. Other organizations and communities across the Nation can benefit from a study of MIMIC's operations.