A new pathway for Jackson’s youth: Inside the Youth Diversion and Enrichment

For some young people, the cycle of getting caught in the crosshairs of the juvenile justice system can feel inescapable. But with the opening of the Youth Diversion and Enrichment Center inside the Jackson Medical Mall, Hinds County Youth Court Judge Carlyn M. Hicks is determined to offer a better alternative, one rooted in support, creativity, and purpose.

Spanning more than 4,400 square feet, the center is unlike any traditional facility for justice-involved youth. From restorative justice circles and mentorship sessions to music production labs and sensory reset rooms, each detail has been designed with intention.

“This is a space where our young people feel comfortable, safe, and inspired,” Judge Hicks explained while giving the Jackson Advocate a tour of the facility. “We want them to know that this is a place of compassion and care, where they can be productive and discover opportunities they may have never imagined.”

A Vision Rooted in Youth Input

The Center’s development wasn’t just planned for young people. It was planned with them. Judge Hicks emphasized youth voices guided decisions on the space’s design and purpose.

Members of the Youth Advisory Board, comprised of mostly teens successfully completing youth diversion programs, provided feedback on everything from seating arrangements to program offerings. Their input, coupled with a youth retreat for participants and prospective participants, helped ensure the facility reflects what young people actually want and need.

“We’ve been very intentional to ensure that this isn’t just youth participation. It’s youth leadership,” Hicks said.

The result is a vibrant environment where colors carry meaning. Blues and greens signal mental health services, orange and red highlight creative energy, and purple represents innovation. Every room connects back to the coalition’s mission of healing and growth.

More Than a Program, A One Stop Hub

At its heart, the Center is a one stop shop for services to which many young people in the justice system lack access. All participants begin with a family assessment and develop their own individualized goals. From there, they move through case management, mentorship, and specialized programming tailored to their needs.

“Every detail was chosen so our youth know they’re valued,” said Hicks. “This is not just about diversion. It’s about giving them tools to thrive.”

Partnerships That Matter

The Center’s reach is amplified through partnerships with community organizations. The Sylvan Learning Center powers tutoring services, while other partners assist with GED testing, book clubs, and workforce development opportunities. Local barbers, stylists, and mentors also volunteer their time to give youth both practical skills and a sense of dignity.

Even the incentive-based gaming room was designed with input from the participants. The young people created their own rules for access, reinforcing accountability while rewarding progress.

Living With Purpose

One of the strongest voices behind the initiative is John Knight, founder of Living With Purpose, a diversion partner program providing a 12 to 14 week curriculum for youth and families. Knight sees the Center as an extension of his mission to help young people discover not just skills but meaning.

“Once you find your purpose, you live life differently. That was the inspiration behind Living With Purpose. Because I live with purpose, I move with purpose, I think with purpose. And I want every youth we touch to understand their purpose. Why they’re here and which way they need to go,” Knight said. 

Knight’s words resonate with the youth he serves, many of whom have faced barriers as basic as lacking a haircut for school or struggling with safe transportation. By combining services, mentorship, and a supportive environment, the Center provides what Knight calls “a reset button” for young people and their families.

Building Belonging and Hope

What sets the Center apart is the culture of affirmation. Walls are decorated with youth artwork and inspirational murals. Visitors are asked to leave handwritten notes of encouragement, creating a growing wall of affirmations for young people to read whenever they need a reminder of their worth.

“It’s about belonging,” Hicks explained. “Our young people walk through and see messages like, ‘You’re brave,’ ‘We need you,’ and ‘Believe in yourself.’ That’s powerful. That’s healing.”

The Center also prioritizes safety and privacy. Unlike traditional community centers, its location and layout minimize risks of negative encounters. “What’s most important for me,” Hicks said, “is that they feel safe here.”

A Different Future

As the doors of the Center officially open, Hicks and Knight both stress this is only the beginning. The long-term goal is to dismantle the cycles of juvenile detention by replacing punishment with opportunity.

“This Center is more than a building. It’s a promise that we are not giving up on our young people,” said Hicks.

For Knight, it comes down to instilling purpose. “If they know their why, then they know which way to go. That’s the foundation for everything we’re doing here.”

Jackson is a city where too many youth face limited options, the Youth Diversion and Enrichment Center offers not just services but hope and opportunity. And for every teenager who walks through its doors, that hope could mean the difference between a criminal record limiting their life choices and a renewed future of full productive participation in society.