On May 14–15, 2025, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) hosted the “Elevating Youth Voices” conference at the Hilton Hotel in Albany, NY.
On May 14–15, 2025, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) hosted the “Elevating Youth Voices” conference at the Hilton Hotel in Albany, NY. This impactful event brought together community leaders, justice reform advocates, and youth program participants to spotlight innovative approaches to youth justice and community healing.
Our Project Restore Bed-Stuy (PRB) program was a main feature of the Conference and graduates of PRB gave a presentation, screened a documentary, and spoke on two panels focused on working across differences and on mental health, especially for young Black men from neighborhoods that are historically and systemically disinvested in. PRB focuses on reducing gun violence in Brooklyn through a public health-based model that provides holistic support to high-risk youth. The program emphasizes trauma healing, mentorship, and community reintegration, offering an alternative to traditional punitive approaches.
Attendees also got to screen the new short documentary On Our Block, directed by Astrid Useche and Chloe Barlow. The film follows Jason Bostic, Wesley Jeffries, and their peers as they navigate the challenges of life in Bed-Stuy, addressing issues such as trauma, accountability, and community engagement. Set against the backdrop of a summer marked by violence, the documentary captures the group's efforts to foster healing and prevent retaliation through grassroots initiatives. The documentary received a standing ovation from the audience.
The conference served as a platform for these young leaders to share their experiences and insights, highlighting the power of community-based programs in driving positive change. Their stories underscored the importance of investing in youth-led solutions to address systemic issues and build safer, more resilient communities.
By centering the voices of those directly impacted, the “Elevating Youth Voices” conference exemplified a commitment to inclusive dialogue and collaborative action in the pursuit of justice reform.
