Our Stories:

One of the greatest challenges in today's world is being a teenager. Many young people have strong adult influences in their lives to help guide them through these crucial years. Unfortunately, there are many who do not. Left to their own devices and ingenuity, negative peer associations, various social and familial problems some of our youth participate in activities and display negative behavior that cause them to become involved with the juvenile justice system.

CROSSROADS, a Houston social service agency since 1968, is an organization that strives to prevent continued youth involvement with the juvenile justice system by fostering positive mentoring relationships between youth and volunteers. CROSSROADS' volunteers are concerned and caring individuals who understand that positive intervention in the lives of at-risk youth is an important tool to deter them from participating in delinquent behavior.

Please read a couple of the experiences our current mentors have had.

Bernice's story:

"My very first assignment was a Hispanic kid, Eric. I had specifically asked to be assigned with black kids because I felt I could relate a lot easier.  After meeting Eric, for the very first time, there was no way I could not continue mentoring him.  He was very likeable, polite, mature and appreciative for my volunteerism.  He told me all about his family. He was being raised by a step father, had two much younger step siblings and his mother was in prison.  I had never met anyone who's mother was in prison. It stunned me and made me think about how difficult it would be for any child who's mother was incarcerated.  In fact several other of his family members were incarcerated. It was a pattern being set that I was determined to try to make a difference with Eric.  I helped him with his school work. I encouraged him to dream big. I downloaded information that allowed him to do virtual traveling around the world. I wanted to expose him to a much bigger world. He wanted to be an electrician, I suggested an electrical engineer to open doors for even more opportunities.  I brought him home cooked meals at every visit. I was trying to be a mother like figure in his life. He told me he really missed a rice-milk that his mother always served his family. I searched several grocery stores to find that rice milk and I finally found it in the downtown Houston area. I don't know who was happier, him or me."

Greg's Story:

"When I first met JC, I had no idea what I was about to encounter.  I was soon introduced to this tall, slim young man with a polite demeanor and bright smile.  I was relieved by his immediate acceptance of me.  The first meeting was get-acquainted small talk and refreshing to see how he welcomed my involvement in his life.  It was my second visit that I inquired about his family life, specifically about the passing of both of his parents.  When he informed me of the tragic and devastating events surrounding their deaths that occurred on the same day, I was completely overwhelmed.  After a couple of weeks he was released to go home.  Within a week of being home, JC began to skip classes and eventually school altogether. He was unhappy about being below grade level and simply wanted his G.E.D.  He was quickly falling into an attitude of “why bother, life doesn’t have much for me anyway.” Eventually he would be detained again for graffiti and drug possession and the gravity of his situation began to sink in this time.  When he appeared in front of the judge, he was very remorseful and accepted the reality of his situation.  Since that time, his attitude and outlook on life has improved dramatically.  He has a talent for art and now even speaks of going to college.

Our relationship has grown where he is comfortable to not only confide in me, but also be truthful and honest. I encourage him to keep a daily journal about weekly events, feelings and emotions.  In one of his entries he acknowledged how his anger and frustration over his parents’ death led to his rebellion against his caretakers and school.  He expresses sincere appreciation of my efforts and looks forward to my weekly visits.  He has expressed that he now realizes how fortunate he is to have a support system of his family and me, his mentor.  He is really looking forward to being permanently released now that he feels like he has something to live for as well as being a role model for some of his younger relatives.  I feel blessed that he has allowed me into his life and I am excited about his future."

CROSSROADS volunteers like Bernice and Greg are making a difference in both the lives of our youth and our community. By meeting these at-risk young people at the crossroads of their challenging lives, mentors are encouraging youth to make better and safer decisions that prevent their future involvement with the juvenile justice system. CROSSROADS - making a difference in the leaders of tomorrow.

Read More of our stories...

(Client names have been changed to protect their identity.)