WE ENVISION A WORLD WHERE JUSTICE-IMPACTED YOUTH ARE NOT DEFINED BY THEIR PAST, BUT EMPOWERED BY THEIR POTENTIAL. A WORLD WHERE HEALING, OPPORTUNITY, AND LEADERSHIP ARE NOT EXCEPTIONS — THEY’RE THE NORM.

At Groundwork for Youth, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to heal, to grow, and to lead — not in isolation, but within a community that sees their worth and walks beside them. We are building a future where cycles of incarceration are broken by connection, creativity, and opportunity.

Our vision is rooted in in the belief that transformation happens when youth are trusted with real responsibility, given meaningful support, and connected to people who believe in their success. Through vocational job training, reentry mentorship, healing circles, and creative expression, we create pathways for youth to develop real skills, process trauma, reclaim their voice, and reenter their communities with confidence and purpose.

We see formerly incarcerated youth not as problems to be fixed, but as leaders, creators, and builders of something new — for themselves, their families, and their communities. Through our work, we aim to shift systems, rewrite narratives, and ensure that every justice-impacted youth has access to the tools, relationships, and experiences they need to thrive.

Together, we are laying the groundwork for a more just, more joyful, and more liberated future —

FROM THE GROUND UP.