Collective Action for Youth expands Credible Messengers program with ARPA funds; organizers report zero juvenile-probation reoffenses among participants

Collective Action for Youth presented its Credible Messengers program to a Houston City Council committee, outlining the program model, partners, funding and early results, and several program participants spoke during public comment about how the program affected their lives.

Tiffany Echeverria, a Collective Action for Youth staff member, said the nonprofit began training with the CM3 Credible Messengers Mentoring Movement in spring 2021, entered a planning phase after receiving notice to proceed in November 2023, and started drawing funds in September 2024. She said the program initially received a $500,000 pilot allocation and later secured an additional $2,000,000 expansion: “$1,500,000 dedicated to the credible messengers program [and] $500,000 dedicated to the community violence interruption piece,” paid through ARPA dollars administered by the health department. Echeverria said the grant covers one year with an opportunity for extension.

Michael Galloway, a project associate who helps manage the Credible Messengers program, defined a credible messenger as “an individual with lived experience,” explaining that mentors have justice system or street experience and work one-on-one with mentees. The program targets people aged 10–35 who live in specified District B zip codes and excludes individuals with certain violent or arson convictions. Echeverria described a three-phase client journey: crisis stabilization and meeting basic needs; creating a goals-based action plan and connecting mentees with partner organizations; and longer-term work to sustain education and employment outcomes.

Echeverria listed 13 partner organizations that serve as regrant recipients and local program sites, including Acres Home Barber College, Excel Beyond Circumstances, US Dream Academy, TXRX, CDM Boxing, Pure Justice, Young People in Action, and Destined for Empowerment. She said the program regrants funds and provides technical assistance, and that partners meet weekly to coordinate services. On outcomes, she said the program’s average mentee age is 21, that caseloads are about 81% male and 19% female, and that the program had received the highest number of referrals from zip codes 77028, 77016 and 77060. She stated, “0 percent of our juvenile probation clients have re offended since entering the program.” When asked by staff, Echeverria said the program currently serves 96 mentees.

Several program participants gave on-the-record testimonials during public comment. Mark Anthony Vassal Stevens said the program helped him enroll at Texas Southern University and access vocational training; Chase Williams said he enrolled in barber college and had developed a close relationship with his mentor; Shakur Holder described receiving housing, transportation and placement in a barbershop; Dominique Carter and others described improved stability and life direction; and Tyrese Dabney said the program boosted his confidence and helped him pursue electronics training.

Council members expressed support and asked about sustainability. Councilmember Alcorn and others noted the one-year ARPA funding and asked if the organization is pursuing additional private funding; Echeverria said CA4Y is seeking private dollars and hopes to continue partnering with the city.

No formal council vote was recorded on the presentation. Committee members who spoke praised the program’s approach and the participant testimonials and indicated interest in continued partnership and oversight.

Provenance: The CA4Y presentation began at 00:14:32 (segment starting 872.455) and public-comment testimonials from program participants appear across segments beginning at 00:42:47 (segment starting 3120.3) through 01:03:22 (segment starting 3841.27).