“You don’t always have to go down that troubled road.”

– Johnny Jones, DYS Mentor

What is an “At-Risk” Youth?

The very definition of at-risk youth is: young people who may not be able to transition into adulthood successfully due to factors in their lives. There are several factors that can contribute to a child being deemed at-risk, and these vulnerable situations leave them in danger of doing poorly in school, suffering anxiety or depression, or becoming juvenile delinquents. Decatur Youth Services (DYS) was established to combat the challenges affecting the quality of life of young Decatur citizens – to foster self-esteem, self-worth, and build character by interacting with successful adults who serve as positive role models and mentors.

From Mentee to Mentor

Johnny Jones was involved with DYS growing up. He had a mentor who helped him realize that it’s okay to be different. Now a mentor and coach himself, he takes pride in helping kids find the right direction. A former police officer, Jones felt compelled to follow in the footsteps of those who helped him, so he started his own mentoring group before joining DYS. “I have truly found my purpose here in life,” said Jones.

From mentoring and after-school programs to tutoring, music, sports, and summer programs, all of the programs offered by DYS are designed to support youth development, establish relationships, motivate, and foster community involvement.

Discipline, Self-Confidence, and Staying Out of Trouble: A Boxer’s Journey

Thirteen-year-old Jefferson Lopez Mendez passed by the DYS boxing gym one day, and decided to try something new. Three years later, the hard work, discipline, and self-confidence he learned from his team of mentors, teachers, and coaches helped him to win a championship belt at a USA Amateur boxing event in Jackson, TN.

While Jefferson’s boxing accomplishments are impressive, it’s the lessons he’s learned and applied outside the gym that are a true testament to the mentorship he’s received.

DYS boxing coordinator, Danny Scott, explained how Jefferson thanked the corner, the audience, and helped his opponent out of the ring after his championship fight. “He’s disciplined, confident, and humble,” Scott said. Outside of the gym, “J” affectionately nicknamed by Scott, helped Scott at home after he had back surgery. “Everyone at DYS, we’re a family,” said Scott.

In addition to the respect he has for his coaches, Jefferson thanks his sparring partner, his brother – also a promising up-and-coming boxer, and everyone else he trains with at the gym. As for the belt, Jefferson didn’t take it home – it stays in the gym.

“This belt represents me getting out of trouble and staying out of trouble,” Jefferson explained. “I keep it here in the gym to remind everyone of that. It’s not just mine; it’s a trophy for everyone.”

Dreaming Big

Jefferson will graduate high school next year. He aspires to bring more championships home to Decatur and eventually become a professional boxer. His fourteen-year-old brother is following along in his footsteps and will represent the United States in the next Olympics, according to Scott.

“Seeing these kids get in the ring and execute everything they’ve learned, seeing their discipline and confidence – there’s nothing more rewarding,” Scott said. With pride gleaming in his eyes, he added, “I really can’t see these kids not taking it to the next level.”

The Future for DYS

Decatur Youth Services serves over 4,000 at-risk children and families each year. Plans are currently underway for a new facility to best serve them. For more information on Decatur Youth Services, visit the DYS website, Facebook page, or Instagram.

Decatur Youth Services: Knocking Out Barriers and Inspiring Youth

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