Every young person reaches a point in their life where they need guidance — a turning point. For some, it comes with the support of a parent, coach, or teacher. But for many at-risk youth, that guiding hand never appears, and the result is often a path toward crime, incarceration, or tragedy. At Your Turning Point, Inc., we believe that mentorship isn’t just a benefit — it’s a lifeline.

In a world full of broken homes, peer pressure, and systemic disadvantages, mentorship offers what’s missing: hope, accountability, and direction.

The Problem: At-Risk Youth and Crime

Youth crime doesn’t occur in a vacuum. It grows in the cracks of unmet needs, untreated trauma, and unaddressed emotional pain.

According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, more than 40% of youth offenders come from single-parent households.

The National Center for Juvenile Justice reports that over 60% of incarcerated juveniles have experienced childhood abuse or neglect.

A lack of positive adult figures is one of the most predictive indicators of criminal behavior among adolescents. These young people aren’t “bad kids.” They’re kids without someone to show them a better way.

The Solution: Mentorship Changes Everything

Mentorship isn’t about a one-time conversation or occasional encouragement. It’s about consistent, intentional investment in a young person’s life — showing up again and again until they believe they’re worth showing up for.

Mentorship programs offer:

-Vision beyond their current environment
– Emotional support and a safe space to talk
– Consistent structure and boundaries
– Exposure to positive values and life skills

Real Results from Mentorship

The National Mentoring Partnership found that at-risk youth with mentors are:

– 55% more likely to enroll in college
– 78% more likely to volunteer in their community
– 46% less likely to start using drugs
– 52% less likely to skip school

In one study by Public/Private Ventures, mentored youth were 70% less likely to start committing crimes and 59% more likely to get better grades! These aren’t just numbers — they represent futures reclaimed and cycles broken.

Mentorship gives teens a safe outlet to talk about what they’re going through, receive guidance from someone they trust, and find purpose beyond their current circumstances.

Why Our Model Works

At Your Turning Point, Inc., we combine mentorship with physical training and Christian-based guidance:

Boxing and sports teach discipline, structure, and emotional control.
Christian mentorship offers hope, moral guidance, and a strong foundation for life.
Community service reinforces responsibility and allows youth to repair harm they’ve caused.

1. Boxing and Sports Training

Through boxing and structured physical activity, youth gain:

– Discipline and mental toughness
– Constructive outlets for aggression and frustration
– A sense of achievement and control

Our coaches mentor in and out of the ring, helping youth build confidence and respect — for themselves and for others.

2. Faith-Based Mentorship

We offer optional Christian-centered guidance to provide:

– A moral compass rooted in grace, purpose, and personal responsibility
– A deeper sense of identity and hope
– Encouragement to forgive and move forward

We never force faith on anyone, but we lead with love and spiritual wisdom when it’s welcomed.

3. Community Service & Rehabilitation

For teens who’ve made mistakes, we provide second chances through:

– Court-approved community service hours
– Positive peer accountability and encouragement
– Resume help, life skill workshops, and career readiness

We don’t just teach our students how to fight in the ring — we teach them how to fight for their future.

Real Stories, Real Change

We’ve seen young men and women go from facing court dates to becoming role models for their peers. We’ve watched withdrawn teens come alive with confidence. These are more than statistics — they’re transformations.

Too often, our society focuses on punishment after the fact instead of prevention at the root. Mentorship is one of the most cost-effective and human-centered solutions to crime prevention available today.

According to a report by the National Institute of Justice, every $1 invested in youth mentorship programs returns up to $13 in long-term savings due to reduced crime, incarceration, and social service costs. Youth who complete mentorship programs are far more likely to avoid rearrest, reoffending, and dependence on the justice system.

Investing in mentorship is investing in safer neighborhoods, stronger families, and a more hopeful next generation.

Be Part of the Solution

Whether you’re a parent looking for support, a community member ready to volunteer, or a donor passionate about prevention — there’s a place for you in this mission.

Sponsor a child to give someone a real shot at a better life
Volunteer to mentor, coach, or encourage a young person
Donate to help us expand our programs and keep them accessible

Join the Mission – Click Here to Get Involved