Youth With Faces

Youth With Faces is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Texas, dedicated to providing justice-impacted youth with essential skills to break the cycle of incarceration and build positive futures.

Background and Mission

The organization was first established in 2001 as Youth Village Resources of Dallas. It initially focused on providing materials and meals to residents of the Dallas County Juvenile Department's Youth Village. In 2008, the scope expanded to include rehabilitation programs, reflecting its evolving mission. The name was changed to Youth With Faces in 2015 to emphasize giving young people more than just a statistic—giving them a second chance at life.

The mission of Youth With Faces is to equip justice-impacted youth with critical social, job, and life skills necessary for success. They strive to transform the experience of doing time into an opportunity for learning and personal growth, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of recidivism.

Programs and Impact

Youth With Faces serves a broad range of youth across different facilities, including Medlock Residential Treatment Center, Letot Girls’ Residential Treatment Center, and the residents of Collin County Juvenile Probation Services. In 2023, they launched their first program for youth on community probation, further expanding their reach.

Their programs include vocational training, such as the Culinary Arts & Hospitality program, which offers hands-on experience under the guidance of professional chefs. The organization also provides post-release support and organizes special community events to foster a supportive environment for the youth.

Annually, they impact the lives of over 350 youth through these comprehensive programs.

Partnerships and Funding

Youth With Faces collaborates with various entities, including Oakwood Bank, which partners with them on personal finance education. They have also incubated and helped launch innovative programs like Café Momentum, an initiative focused on culinary arts training for justice-impacted youth.

The organization participates in fundraising events, such as annual dinners and community fundraisers, to support their programs.

Leadership and Governance

As of recent updates, the board chair is Nikki Jacks, who succeeds Chandra McCormack. The board consists of diverse leaders from prominent companies, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Haynes and Boone, and JP Morgan Chase.

Youth With Faces adheres to inclusive governance practices, ensuring a diverse board composition and regularly reviewing policies to maintain transparency and equity in their operations. The organization is committed to race equity strategies, acknowledging and addressing disparities in their programs and community engagements.