Supporting and Protecting Tennessee Youth After Experiencing Incarceration
EPIC Youth is a collaborative initiative designed to change the nature of reentry and outcomes for Nashville and Davidson County youth who are reentering their communities after confinement in a juvenile facility. This is accomplished through a combination of computer coding classes, life skills instruction, prosocial activities, mentoring, employment support, and wraparound services.
Supporting and Protecting Tennessee Youth After Experiencing Incarceration
EPIC Youth is a collaborative initiative designed to change the nature of reentry and outcomes for Nashville/Davidson County youth who are reentering their communities after confinement in a juvenile facility. This is accomplished through a combination of computer coding classes, life skills instruction, prosocial activities, mentoring, employment support, and wraparound services.
Left: Persevere graduate, Mark Clark breaking the cycle of recidivism with his son, Connor.
Read Mark’s Story Here.
EMPOWERMENT | PERSEVERENCE | INNOVATION | COMMUNITY
Persevere, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), the Juvenile Court of Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County (JCDC), and an active collection of service providers and employers have come together to develop and implement EPIC Youth TN.
Over the next 3 years, EPIC Youth will provide comprehensive reentry services to nearly 200 youth detained in DCJDC and Wilder. These life changing services will be provided through generous, community-minded partners.
Getting Young
Lives Back on Track
Persevere disrupts the oppressive cycle of poverty and criminality by creating tech education opportunities for justice-impacted youth.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for EPIC Youth, the juvenile must:
- Be confined within DCDJC or Wilder at the time of enrollment, with an expected release date within 60-180 days for DCJDC, and 6-8 months for Wilder
- Be 13-17 years of age
- Be planning to reside within Davidson County, Shelby County, or one of the adjacent counties
- Have parent, DCS, JCDC approval
- Be willing and have a desire to participate
Mentoring and career coaching volunteers
Employment and internship partners
Training and resource collaboration
Technology education opportunities
(guest speakers, educational resources, etc.)
Service provider partners for youth and families