Mentoring
Since 2012, reVision has recruited, screened, trained, and supported over 450 volunteer mentors from 39 faith communities across Harris County, local universities (Rice, University of Houston-Downtown, HCC, TSU), and government agencies like the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department.
reVision's mentoring program facilitates one-on-one relationships, group mentoring, and peer mentoring as defined by:
1. Interaction between two or more individuals over at least six months (but often lasting much longer).
2. A mentor possesses a more significant share of life experience.
3. The mentee is in a position to imitate and benefit from the mentor's knowledge, skill, ability, or experience (adult or peer).
Schools
reVision provides one-on-one and group mentoring promoting restorative practices in schools selected for the Keeping Kids in School program by Houston ISD. These schools were chosen due to the disproportionate number of students on community or deferred probation and students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
Juvenile Justice Facilities
Other reVision mentors work with youth previously incarcerated in one of the juvenile facilities operated by the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, providing support as they transition back into their communities. Research shows that the re-entry period between the institution and home is critical for juvenile offenders who may have begun making behavioral changes but can quickly regress upon returning to their original environment.
Change
Research into the lives of serious juvenile offenders, most notably the pivotal Pathways to Desistance study funded by the MacArthur Foundation, has shown that these youth can effectively change their lives and move away from the criminal justice system if they have (1) the support of a caring adult; and (2) engagement with positive peers. Houston: reVision, therefore, focuses on matching youth with screened, trained volunteer mentors recruited from the local community and afterschool activities, providing an opportunity for positive peer interactions.