CEO of Just Because Mentoring Service urges wider use of program for young men leaving jail and in foster care

The CEO of Just Because Mentoring Service said the organization mentors young men coming out of jail and young men in foster care in the South Suburb and urged officials and service providers to make greater use of the program.

"I mentor young men who are coming out of jail and who are in foster care," the CEO said, describing the program’s primary focus. The speaker said the program meets youth "where they are" and depends on a family-centered "wraparound" system to support lasting change.

The speaker outlined the program’s approach, saying staff "wrap that family around" the child to provide guidance, connection, trust and hope. They argued that the service is underused and that broader referrals would allow the program to "change neighborhoods and lives." The speaker identified the program as Just Because Mentoring (the transcript alternates between "Service" and "Stuff") and said the name stands for "Jesus Became My Savior." No formal request for funding, referral protocol, or next steps was recorded during the comment.

No formal action, vote or staff direction was recorded in the transcript; the remarks were presented as a public comment and personal appeal.