DJJ Volunteers: Aaron Cohn RYDC Youth Conference

Recently, the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) hosted a youth conference. Assistant Director of Programs Roderick Haugabook invited several community partners to speak and give encouragement to the youth who chose to participate. Parents were also invited to attend.

Pastor Manundus Brice of Forest Park Baptist Church spoke to the youth on persistence and resilience. He encouraged them to not let their past mistakes define their future. He told the youth that while everybody is faced with their own issues, they are not to be used as excuses to keep from succeeding.

Reverend York of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, Pamela Howell of Hopewell Baptist Church and Deacon Lewis Phillips of Christians for Change Baptist Church were also among the volunteers and community partners.

Haugabook also rewarded two youths with gift cards for their good behavior. The gift cards were generously donated by a local restaurant. Youths and their parents left the conference feeling inspired and hopeful for the future.

The Department of Juvenile Justice is thankful for the volunteers and community partners who make a positive impact on the lives of wayward youth.