where we stand
ShockTown’s YES Community Program, Inc. was founded with the mission of empowering youth through sports, mentorship, and education. Since its inception, the organization has successfully hosted several community pop-up events, engaging over 100 children. These events have provided a unique opportunity for local youth to participate in structured activities while fostering positive connections with law enforcement officers who volunteer their time, as well as dedicated community volunteers.
The founder, Scholen Charles, has drawn from years of experience in law enforcement and community outreach to make these events impactful. By actively engaging with local schools, attending community events, and listening to the concerns of parents, teachers, and counselors, Charles identified a need to integrate education into these pop-up events. This insight led to the inclusion of essential life lessons, such as leadership, teamwork, and safety education, ensuring that each event is not only entertaining but also enriching for participants.
These community pop-up events have now evolved into dynamic programs that combine entertainment with valuable life lessons. The ultimate goal is to provide children with consistent positive role models, whether through mentors, coaches, or law enforcement officers. By creating a safe, supportive environment, ShockTown’s YES Community Program continues to inspire and empower youth, addressing both their physical and mental development while fostering a sense of community and resilience.
Research has consistently shown that youth who lack access to positive role models, structured activities, and leadership development opportunities are at a significantly higher risk of engaging in delinquent behavior. Studies by the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Institute of Justice indicate that early intervention through mentorship and community-based programs can dramatically reduce youth involvement in crime.
Through my years of experience as a law enforcement officer and community leader, I have witnessed firsthand how the absence of guidance and support leaves young people vulnerable to negative influences. Conversations with school counselors, parents, and community members reaffirm that many at-risk youth do not have the structured environments necessary to foster personal growth and resilience. Without these essential resources, they are more likely to make poor choices, fall into cycles of crime, and struggle to reach their full potential.
Our program directly tackles this issue by providing youth with positive mentorship, structured activities, and essential life skills. By combining sports with leadership and situational safety education, we give children the tools to resist negative influences, make better decisions, and grow into confident, capable individuals who can lead their peers toward success.
We envision a future where every young person in our community has access to the resources and support they need to unlock their full potential, break the cycle of crime, and contribute to a safer, brighter tomorrow for all.
By 2026, we aim to expand our youth empowerment programs across multiple strategic locations, increasing our capacity to serve more children through safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.
This is just the beginning. As we build on the success of our vision, we will continue to broaden our reach, deepen our impact, and provide even more transformative opportunities for the youth and communities we serve. Together, we can create a ripple effect that uplifts families, strengthens neighborhoods, and inspires a brighter future for generations to come.
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yes@shocktownyes.org | (713) 591-5301
