THE ORIGINAL UYC RECORD
This page preserves the substantive mission, vision and program language from UYC’s original public website. Current program, service, contact and reporting pages remain the source for what UYC offers today.
View current programs →ORIGINAL MISSION
ORIGINAL VISION
Youth will have organized their own pathways to possibility and facilitate partnerships that increase their life chances with each coming generation.
UYC provides youth intervention and enhancement work grounded in life skills, mental and physical development, community participation and access to opportunity.
FOUNDED ON EXPERIENCE
UYC was organized and founded by men who spent much of their early lives as members of gangs. They escaped a violent and unforgiving lifestyle and felt called to reclaim their community by interrupting patterns of gang violence in Minneapolis.
Because they had walked in the same shoes, UYC could reach young people facing gang involvement and elevated risk—and walk alongside them toward more positive and constructive roles in their communities.
Read Ferome Brown’s story →WHAT MADE UYC DIFFERENT
UYC’s greatest drawing power is credibility earned through lived experience, truthfulness and a direct, no-nonsense approach. That trust allows people to confide, speak honestly and stay connected—conditions that can help prevent violence.
UYC has remained present and accessible in the community. Being seen, known and available keeps lines of communication open and makes timely intervention possible when conflict begins to rise.
UYC does not make excuses for participants or expect them to make excuses for themselves. The work recognizes difficult conditions while building a sustainable engagement strategy, practical skills and personal responsibility.
UYC is committed to each person’s growth and development—restoring confidence, strengthening belonging and building an ongoing plan for a different trajectory. UYC stays with people through the process.
THE ORIGINAL PUBLIC DESCRIPTION
These statements are preserved from the organization’s original public description and now connect to the current service structure.
ORIGINAL INTERVENTION FRAMEWORK
UYC described its intervention program as a structured curriculum for people ready to make positive, lasting change through consistent mentorship, guidance and community accountability.
Uncover the personal, social and environmental factors at the root of the challenge.
Develop practical strategies and tools that break destructive cycles and strengthen responsibility.
Build a personalized action plan focused on education, employment and long-term stability.
MEDIATION BETWEEN GROUPS AND CLIQUES
UYC’s original site described direct mediation at identified hotspots across the Twin Cities, including structured “down talks” between opposing groups to de-escalate conflict, prevent retaliation and restore peace.
Today, urgent mediation calls and texts are accepted at 612-404-4266. This is not emergency dispatch; call 911 when there is immediate danger.
Explore current safety services ↗REAL LIVES. REAL CHANGE.