Quan
When I came to The Children’s Village, I was on probation and had never had a job before. I was trying to join the workforce, but it was hard to move forward. Everywhere I applied, background checks came up, and I was turned away. I understand probation is a result of my actions, but it doesn’t always feel like rehabilitation. It can feel like being stuck.
That’s when my probation officer suggested I join a workforce program in the Bronx through The Children’s Village’s Transformative Mentoring Initiatives (TMI) Division, including the ARCHES program in the Bronx.
My first reason for going was simple—they said if I showed up every week, I’d get $30. At the time, that felt like a no-brainer, and that was enough to get me in the door.
After a while, it became about more than that.
Through TMI, I found something I didn’t expect—a peaceful place to go. I met people who were positive, even though many of us were coming from difficult situations or serious past mistakes. It didn’t feel negative or judgmental. I made friends. I wanted to be there.
Ms. Silverio, the Mentor and Resource Coordinator, became like a mentor to all of us. She helped us find jobs, set up interviews, and even acted as a reference. She stayed on top of us in the best way—bringing us to job fairs, helping pay for certifications, and making sure we showed up. Even after I completed the program and stopped receiving money, I continued to attend.
Through TMI my family and I were supported in real ways. They helped with food and clothing, and when I needed it most, they provided baby formula and supplies. Those things mattered during a time when I felt overwhelmed.
One of my favorite parts of the program was sharing meals together. Eating together made it feel like home. You could come for the food, the money, the trips, or the friendships—but by the end, we felt like a family. The environment was everything.
Finding a job while still on probation was hard. Every background check reminded me how difficult it can be to move forward with a record. But the mentors didn’t give up on me. Through TMI, I received support to attend training and earn my Commercial Driver’s License, including help with transportation so I could travel to Connecticut for months of schooling.
Because of that support, I’m now working as a truck driver.
Today, I’m still on probation and working toward getting it reduced. I want to travel and eventually leave the state. Being monitored every week is exhausting, but because of The Children’s Village, I carry positive energy and hope for what’s next.
The Transformative Mentoring Initiatives Division (TMI) supports young people who are justice-involved or at risk of becoming justice-impacted. These programs are led by trained young adult mentors who have lived experience within the juvenile justice system and now serve as trusted guides and role models. Through mentoring, group work, journaling, education, and employment support, TMI helps young people challenge internalized stigma, build confidence, and move toward stability and independence.
