Youth Action Boards

Juvenile Justice Advocacy Youth Advisory Board (JJA YAB)

The Juvenile Justice Advocacy Youth Advisory Board (JJA YAB) was established in January 2022, formerly known as the JAD YAB. Our founding principle is to prioritize the voices of youth who have been systematically impacted, with the aim of creating a positive and collaborative environment where members contribute to enhancing juvenile and criminal justice policies. The JJA YAB is dedicated to fostering equitable outcomes for youth, achieved through building close relationships and leveraging the power of storytelling.

CURRENT OBJECTIVES

The JJA YAB is a leadership development board that empowers system-impacted youth and young adults to use their voices, share their stories of resilience, and advocate for change within the Juvenile Justice System. Our unique program focuses on developing personal goals, professional growth, and community contributions. We ensure that our youth gain leadership skills, develop character, and learn to use their lived experiences to benefit their communities.

SUCCESSES

  • Graduated from a GED program / Completed a Certificate in Phlebotomy

  • Advocated for youth in court, successfully preventing possible incarceration

  • Facilitated community events

  • Represented youth voices oppressed by the criminal systems through involvement with the Harris County Youth Justice Transformation Coalition (HCYJTC)

  • Employed youth

  • Graduated from an 8-week Social Emotional Learning course

  • Featured in Houston Landing Publication

  • Opportunities to speak at conferences

  • College Tours/Mock classes

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • Age Range: 16 - 26 years old (16-year-olds require parent/guardian permission to participate)

  • Juvenile Justice System Experience: Individuals with lived experience within the Juvenile Justice System

  • Texas Criminal Justice System Experience: Individuals with lived experience within the Texas Criminal Justice System between the ages of 17 and 24

  • Residency: Must be a resident of Houston

  • Commitment: Active participation for one calendar year, including but not limited to meetings, programming, training, and select affiliated Collective Action for Youth events

  • Motivation: A strong desire to create change within the juvenile justice and criminal legal systems, as well as personal growth

Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Youth Action Board (YHDP YAB)

The Houston's Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Youth Action Board (YHDP YAB) are a dedicated group of youth and young adults who have experienced homelessness. Our mission is to leverage funding, technical assistance, and community collaboration to create a tailored, practical approach to addressing youth homelessness in Houston. The YAB officially launched on November 1, 2021, and continues to thrive.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

The YAB has developed a cultural competency training program and offers unique personal and professional development opportunities for its members. These initiatives allow members to contribute their unique perspectives and drive meaningful change. This training is available for your organization. For more information, please contact us at info@ca4y.org, subject line “YHDP YAB”.

Over the past year, the YAB has focused on creating a comprehensive youth housing guide, a valuable resource for young people experiencing homelessness. The guide, which launched in June 2024, is a testament to our dedication and hard work. We are already planning our next project and are excited to share the next phase of our work soon.

OUR EVOLUTION & IMPACT

The YAB has evolved significantly. Initially starting with ten members, we now maintain an active membership of around five individuals. Many of our former members have secured full-time employment through our YHDP partners and their own skills. One current member serves on the Coalition of the Homeless steering committee while balancing a part-time job and full-time studies. We are immensely proud of the contributions our YAB members make to improve outcomes for other young people.

OUR TEAM

The YAB is currently composed of Celise Tibbett, Ashanni Rogers, and Danielle Stephens. We welcome new and prospective members who are passionate about making a difference and interested in joining our efforts to transform our community. To qualify as a member of our YAB, you must be between the ages of 16 and 24 and have lived experience of homelessness. If you are interested and meet these criteria, please contact us at info@ca4y.org.