Transforming Communities Through the Credible Messenger Movement
The Credible Messenger movement is a restorative justice approach where Credible Messengers—individuals with unique connections to justice-involved youth—help transform behavior and strengthen communities. InnerCity Collaborative Community Development Corporation, a leader in social justice, was chosen in 2016 by DC's Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to implement this strategy in challenged neighborhoods. Based in Marshall Heights, Ward 7, InnerCity fosters hope, community outreach, and service through its mentoring philosophy.
To develop lifelong authentic relationships between justice involved youth, their families and their communities that reduces incarceration and recidivism by engaging the whole person in connections of lasting change, investing in community-based supports, and changing the way that government and society view the redemptive value and potential of justice-involved people.
Through community based mentoring we are changing the landscape of juvenile justice reform. Transformative Mentoring is a highly effective mentoring program that reduces recidivism and improves the outcomes of young people under supervision. The program is grounded in principles of positive youth development, and relies on a model of government-community partnership. It works with young adults in their own neighborhoods, connecting them with “credible messenger” mentors, whose life experiences, including their own criminal justice involvement, is used to help them engage and motivate justice-involved young people in ways that other system stakeholders, alone, cannot. These mentors equip young people with tools to change their lives while providing them with living examples of hope and transformation. In InnerCity CDC, credible messenger mentors run group sessions using a cognitive behavioral intervention and are available at all times for one-on-one support. Working alongside care Coordinators (social workers), judges, lawyers and other stake holders, mentors help young people make better and safer decisions, pursue their goals, repair relationships with family and community, and connect to educational, work readiness, and employment opportunities. InnerCity CDC changes the life trajectory of youth at high risk for future justice system involvement, promoting economic mobility for participants, while also increasing community safety. The model is scalable and locally adaptable, as evidenced by the recent Credible Messenger Summit held in Washington DC where increased interest from multiple jurisdictions nationwide was expressed.
Not just another peer mentoring program, the Credible Messenger platform integrates community-based organizations like InnerCity CDC and government justice agencies, as part of an evidence-generating approach that is now supported by empirical data and emerging academic research. Restorative methods of justice are merged with social science communication techniques to modify behavior. The result is an inside-out, community-first model based on transforming relationships.
MENTORSHIP WORKS (WHEN YOU LET IT)
A Success Story: M.C.’s Journey with Credible Messenger Brantley
Brantley has mentored M.C. for three years, initially supporting him and his twin brother after the loss of their older sibling. While his brother’s engagement lasted a year, M.C. flourished under Brantley’s progressive and consistent mentoring approach.
M.C., motivated to fill the void left by his brother, aimed to join the DC Fire Academy but redirected his efforts after missing a training cohort. With Brantley’s guidance, he secured a job at Five Guys and later joined a job readiness program at DOES, leading to an internship and a position with a DC Water contractor.
Now preparing for fatherhood, M.C. has moved into an apartment with his girlfriend and secured a higher-paying contract. Their mentoring discussions have evolved to focus on fatherhood, family stability, and career growth.
Brantley reflects on M.C.’s journey: "I always saw his vision, and it has manifested over the past two years." Alongside his career, M.C. is a talented musician, writer, and performer—proof that mentorship works with willing participants.
J.M.’s Journey: From Struggles to Leadership
For the past three years, J.M. has been mentored by Curtis Brantley, a Credible Messenger and Family Engagement Specialist. Despite ongoing family and housing challenges, J.M. persevered. After leaving Covenant House, he stayed with his Godmother and had the life-changing opportunity to visit Africa, supported by InnerCity. This trip gave him a fresh perspective on his blessings and inspired him to pursue independence.
J.M. has worked with organizations like Breathing Room, InnerCity CDC, and Covenant House. While attending UDC, he earned the “Right Direction Award” and ran for “MISTER UDC - CC 22’-23’,” demonstrating his leadership despite struggles with education and housing. Determined to uplift others, J.M. aspires to create a mentoring program called “The Problem Child,” aimed at supporting marginalized youth in D.C. through a peer and student network at UDC.
Recently, J.M. moved into his own home, maintaining close contact with Brantley and InnerCity. Now thriving in a security job, he credits mentorship for helping him see his potential. As a new father, J.M. is more motivated than ever to succeed as a parent and a role model.
