MEET LEO, Leo was 17 when he got arrested. He spent over two years in a high-security juvenile hall. By the time we met him, he was one of the oldest. He felt tired, frustrated, and stuck. Through Modern Abolition’s program, Leo met a volunteer who believed in second chances. He had nine months left and couldn’t go home. She gave him resources to help him plan for what came next. That gave him hope. Now, Leo has a job. He’s doing well in community college and plans to go to a university. His story shows how the right help...

MEET CARLOS, Carlos grew up thinking he had to be tough to make it. He used anger to protect himself and didn’t trust anyone. But deep down, he really just wanted to be seen, cared for, and guided. With help from a mentor, a safe place, and people who showed up for him, Carlos started to change. He began learning life skills, going to a church youth group, and-most of all—he started to believe his life had meaning. Now, Carlos is becoming a leader. He helps younger kids stay away from the same mistakes he made. His story isn’t over—but...

MEET LAYLA, For a long time, Layla tried to feel important by getting attention from friends, approval from adults, and caring too much about what others thought of her. But no matter what she did, it never felt like enough. Then something changed. Layla learned that her worth didn’t come from other people—it came from God, who made her and loves her. Now, Layla is becoming stronger. She’s letting go of her old ways and choosing a better path. She’s learning to follow God and believe in her true worth, even when it’s not easy. Because now, she’s found what...

MEET AALIYAH, Aaliyah used to think the only way people would listen was by using her fists. She got into fights at school, had trouble at home, and felt full of anger. She didn’t know how to break the cycle. But then, she started working on herself. With help from a mentor and learning how to handle her emotions, Aaliyah found out that real strength isn’t about fighting—it’s about using your words, staying calm, and making smart choices. Now, Aaliyah speaks up instead of fighting—and she wants to help others do the same. * Name and photo have been changed...

MEET JORDAN, Jordan grew up feeling like he had to figure out life on his own. He didn’t have anyone to guide him, and he made some choices that led to a hard life. But things started to change when he met a mentor—someone who believed in him, helped him learn, and stayed by his side. Now, with that support and learning new skills, Jordan is growing. He’s learning how to lead, planning for his future, and helping others too. He’s not just getting by—he’s thriving. When someone believes in you, everything can change. And for Jordan, this is just...

MEET MAYA, Maya is a young woman who used to feel stuck in a cycle of bad choices, loneliness, and just trying to get by. After spending time in the juvenile justice system, she was looking for something better. Through a program and a mentor, Maya found her way to a youth group at a church that saw her for who she really is—not just her past. Now, Maya is doing much better. She attends church group every week, is making new friends, growing in her faith, and even helping other girls who are going through the same things. Her...