LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A local mentoring organization has launched a new partnership aimed at reaching more at-risk youth in the community.
Mentoring With Music, a program focused on empowering young people through creativity and mentorship, has partnered with the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center to provide arts-based programming inside the facility. The initiative is designed to offer meaningful opportunities for self-expression, healing, and skill building for detained youth.
The partnership will allow Mentoring With Music to bring music and other creative outlets directly into the detention center, filling a gap in programming that currently exists.
Liz Whitney, executive director of Mentoring With Music, says the program helps meet both emotional and developmental needs for youth in the juvenile justice system.
"The court doesn't have, you know, extra funding for arts programs, so we're able to go in there and provide that, and we know that there are so many health benefits to music and just creative expression in general. And we want these kids to know that they're seen, they're heard, and that we understand what they need for support, and we're going to be there for them because they, you know, their voice matters. They deserve a second chance."
Whitney says the goal is to provide consistent support and positive outlets that can help youth build confidence and develop new skills.
Programming at the juvenile detention center is scheduled to begin at the start of the new year.
