Are you passionate about transforming the lives of young individuals, breaking the cycle of incarceration, and fostering a brighter future for our African American communities? I’m Barbara Nwaehi, and I proudly serve on the Cabinet of United Way’s African-American Partnership.
With over 18 years of dedicated service in juvenile detention and reunification programs across the nation, I’ve witnessed first hand the urgent need for proactive change. The heart-wrenching scenes of young boys trapped in the wrong crowds, lacking positive adult role models, and falling into the clutches of the criminal justice system have moved me deeply.
I’ve transitioned from intervention to prevention because I believe that preventing the cycle of incarceration is far more powerful and impactful. This is why the African-American Partnership resonates so strongly with me. We’re not just addressing the symptoms; we’re targeting the root causes by investing in high-quality, year-round learning opportunities.
Our approach is simple yet profound: we’re focusing on education and career enhancement as part of our comprehensive Child Well-Being Agenda. By providing young individuals with the tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive, we’re breaking down barriers, creating pathways to success, and ensuring that they have access to positive adult influences every step of the way.
Join me in making a real difference. Together, through the African-American Partnership, we’re shaping a future where every young person has the chance to reach their full potential, where incarceration is replaced with empowerment, and where our communities thrive. Let’s invest in prevention, let’s ignite change, and let’s build a brighter tomorrow for all.
– Barbara Y. Nwaehi, African-American Partnership Cabinet Member
