“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
Jackie Robinson
Our mission is to inspire young people to reach their full potential by overcoming adversity, adopting responsibility, and pursuing goals that align with their values.
WHO WE ARE
Failing Forward Youth Outreach, “FFYO” volunteers are men and women creating an invaluable impact on society by connecting Firefighters and community leaders to at-risk youth. This is accomplished through motivational speaking, group discussion, and mentorship. As a result of painstaking honesty, FFYO volunteers become “credible messengers” bringing hope and discussing the unapparelled value of responsibility, setting goals, and “failing forward”. FFYO volunteers are afforded the opportunity to bring life full circle as a result of using their experience to positively impact young people who may be at a crossroad in their life.
WHAT WE DO
It’s been said, “children spell love… T. I. M. E.” Our volunteers show they care by giving their time. 80% of juveniles being held in Detention Centers come from fatherless homes. In addition, many high school students struggling scholastically and socially are dealing with significant family issues. This creates a void in their development.
“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you a person who had real positive influences in his or her life.”- Denzel Washington. Through sharing our experience, we offer hope. Many FFYO volunteers have overcome such adversity and recognize that adversity builds character. We focus on the solution.
Our philosophy is, adopt responsibility for your own life, try to be a good family member, try to give back to your community, and try to seek spiritual truth. These are the things that may provide enough meaning that we can withstand the difficulties of life.
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If you are interested in bringing this project to your department or becoming an FFYO member, please email us at failingforward.youthoutreach@gmail.com or call (925) 395-7887.
PARTICIPATING MEMBERS/AGENCIES
California Division of Juvenile Justice
N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility
O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility
Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp
Ventura Youth Correctional Facility
County Juvenile Detention
Solano County Juvenile Detention
Alameda County Juvenile Detention
San Mateo County Juvenile Detention
San Francisco Juvenile Detention
Santa Clara County (awaiting approval)
Byron Boys Ranch (awaiting approval)
Contra Costa County (awaiting approval)