Mr. Glasby
I’ve spent the past 13 years mentoring young people, and the best part of my work is seeing its lasting impact. Nothing feels better than running into a former mentee and hearing they still remember the lessons we shared.
As a Program Coordinator at The Children’s Village, I oversee mentorship for court-involved youth. Each year, we guide 6 to 16 young people through a six-month program designed to provide real skills, not just a safe space.
As a teen, I was incarcerated and assigned to a CV mentorship program as part of my probation. The program, focused on education, work, and community support, helped me build a plan. My mentor—a successful African American man who had also been incarcerated—showed me that a different path was possible. I often wish I’d had that guidance earlier, and now I strive to be that mentor for others. As Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you do better.”
One of our recent participants is proof of that. When he joined the program in early 2024, he was surrounded by negative influences and at risk of being held back in school. But through the program, his grades got better, and he made the choice to distance himself from these influences while working on self-improvement. His dedication paid off. By the summer, he had graduated, had his court case dismissed, completed our financial literacy workshop with perfect attendance, and even applied for a summer job on his own.
Our approach is simple: meet young people where they are. That means understanding their challenges and breaking down barriers, whether through relatable conversations or real-life skill-building. My favorite activities include current events discussions and Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) workshops, where we teach essentials like hygiene, social cues, and professional skills.
Mentorship has also shaped who I am as a father and motivated me to continue my education, recently earning my second master’s degree. I want my mentees to see that no matter where they start, success is possible. I’m living proof that change can happen, and through this program, I hope to help others see that in themselves.
ICM Plus, which oversees mentorship for court-involved youth, uses a curriculum-based, group mentoring approach. The program empowers young people to develop problem-solving and social skills, with a focus on fostering emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships, supporting youth in achieving positive educational, employment, and personal outcomes.