Entering high-security facilities to reach young people often means confronting actions long forgotten. Yesterday was one of those days for me. The background checks are extensive, more thorough than most, due to the nature of offenses committed within the facility and the severity of the crimes. This wasn’t my first background check with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), the government organization overseeing the center. However, this time, they unearthed information from my past that I didn’t even know was still on my record.

The investigator who called was pleasant yet skeptical. She recalled charges from 30 years ago, asking in-depth questions, challenging my responses, and wanting to know the outcomes and how exactly I’ve changed my life.

I share this for several reasons. First, those of us with lived experiences similar to the youth we work with often have to give account for our actions or the actions done against us, especially when it involves the justice system. Secondly, it illustrates the lengths we sometimes must go to gain access to the youth we serve. It can be uncomfortable and humbling to go through these processes, proving our integrity and transformation. Lastly, for us all, who have been given new life in Jesus will sometimes be challenged in the redemptive work God has done in our lives. There are those who will remember our old selves and try to keep us there, recounting who we were and not understanding or trusting in the work God has done.

Rest assured, however, that those who are in Christ “are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:6-11)

This journey of redemption and transformation is not just about proving ourselves to others; it’s about embracing the change within us and living out our new identity every day. The challenges we face in this process are reminders of how far we’ve come and the strength we’ve gained. They also serve as powerful testimonies to the youth we serve, showing them that change is possible and that their past does not define their future.

As we continue our work, let’s hold onto the hope and assurance that our efforts are making a difference. Each step we take, no matter how small, brings us closer to breaking the cycle of despair and opening doors to new beginnings. Together, we can create a community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and realize their full potential.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to this mission. Let’s continue to walk this path of transformation with courage and faith, knowing that we are making a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve.