AGM (A Greater Me) youth development program has just graduated its first cohort of students. The program was designed and developed by Michael K. Jules, M.S.W/Children’s Social Worker III, with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
The vision is to service and empower foster and community youth, while building a vibrant, resilient and forward-thinking community of young men. Jules, a Los Angeles native who has been a social worker for the past 15 years, has witnessed the challenges faced by young people in the foster system.
“The correlation between foster care and crime is well-documented and is often referred to as the foster care-to-prison pipeline. Over half of foster children will have an encounter with the juvenile legal system by age 17. Insufficient access to resources and life sustaining skills is hindering the growth and potential of this underserved community,” said Jules.
The AGM program was a five-week series of empowerment workshops designed for foster and community youth, ages 14-21. The sessions equipped attendees with vital life skills including financial literacy and budgeting, job searching and career readiness, interview skills, understanding legal rights, mental health management, self care, physical health awareness, etiquette and conflict resolution – all while helping them to build resilience and self-realization in order to navigate the unique challenges faced by young people transitioning out of foster care.
Jules organized donors and facilitators including South Bay Church (Redondo Beach), Hope Worldwide, Better Days, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Bridge Builders Foundation, Team Uplift, Long Beach Hope & Faith Church, Papa John’s Pizza owned by Jarvis Young, Fashion Nova, Bishop Johnny Young (Miracle Temple Church) and SJF Cornerstone Brothers, all of whom donated their time, talents and resources in order to provide these services. The culmination was held at the Greater Bethel Cathedral Church of LA. Over 20 young men were recognized for completing the cohort.
J’Sean Fanning, one of the youth participants stated, “Being a part of this program improved my social skills and confidence and gave me a chance to hear stories from other young people who had experienced trauma in their lives. The career training workshops helped me to feel confident and prepared for the future.”
Awele Decency, Eligibility Worker II (DCFS), who was recognized by Jules for her efforts in assisting him with organizing the project, reflected, “The program was an overwhelming success. It was amazing to see the young men gain confidence, learn new skills and start building connections that will last. It’s about helping them create a strong foundation for their futures.”
As he plans for the next cohort of AGM which will begin in January, Jules said, “Moving forward with this strong network of mentors and dedicated resources, AGM remains committed to fostering positive outcomes for the next generation to come by equipping young men with essential life skills, mentorship, community support and decision making to assist them to make better choices in efforts to prevent homelessness and incarceration.
“Through structured guidance and hands-on experiences, the program will continue to help youth navigate key transitions, build confidence and develop independence.”
For more information, email Michael Jules at JulesM@dcfs.lacounty.gov.
