Mobilize & Empower
Mobilizing churches, volunteers, families, and communities to support children in detention, strengthen family connections, and protect their rights.
Empowering youth and families to raise their voices, advocate for justice, and create opportunities for a brighter future.
José Manuel was detained far from home. His parents could not afford to visit him, and he lacked even basic necessities. When a JJAI team member asked how he was doing, another young person explained that they shared soap and underwear because José Manuel had so little.
For children in detention, separation from family can be as painful as confinement itself. Through Mobilize & Empower, JJAI helps restore family connections, provide essential support, and ensure young people are not forgotten.
What is Mobilize and Empower?
Mobilize & Empower is JJAI’s community engagement program that brings together families, volunteers, churches, and community organizations to support children in detention and protect their rights.
The program combines practical assistance with family and youth empowerment. By helping families maintain contact with their children, meet urgent needs, understand their rights, and organize to advocate for change, Mobilize & Empower strengthens both individual families and the communities supporting them.
Originally developed in Mexico, the program has expanded to Honduras and Costa Rica. Following two years of juvenile justice reform work in Puerto Rico, JJAI is now preparing to launch Mobilize & Empower there as well.
Mobilize & Empower is coming to Puerto Rico
After two years of work in Puerto Rico to promote the transformation of the juvenile justice system, Juvenile Justice Advocates International (JJAI) is preparing to launch Mobilize & Empower on the island.
This new phase aims to connect young people in detention with their families and communities, mobilize churches and volunteers, and strengthen families’ ability to defend their children’s rights.
We invite churches and community organizations in Puerto Rico to become founding partners of this initiative.
Care Packages
Providing hygiene supplies, clothing, shoes, school materials, and other essential items to young people whose families cannot afford them.
Family Reunification
Helping families overcome financial and logistical barriers to visiting their children in detention, including transportation, meals, and lodging when needed. Maintaining family connections is essential to children’s wellbeing, rehabilitation, and successful return home.
Family Committees
Bringing parents and caregivers together to learn about their children’s rights, support one another, and advocate collectively for better treatment, improved conditions, and meaningful family participation in the juvenile justice system.
Education
Organizing workshops, educational activities, mentoring, and tutoring for young people and families, including information about their rights, physical and emotional wellbeing, and preparation for life after detention.
Youth Leadership
Creating opportunities for young people with lived experience in the justice system to share their perspectives, develop leadership skills, and participate in efforts to improve the juvenile justice system.
Special Events
Organizing celebrations, recreational activities, family gatherings, cultural events, and other opportunities that bring hope, connection, and positive experiences to children in detention and their families.
Restore the Circle: Help Keep Families Connected
Restore the Circle is JJAI’s sponsorship campaign that funds the direct services provided through Mobilize & Empower.
For just $42 per month ($504 per year), sponsors help children in detention maintain connections with their families and receive the support they need.
Sponsorship contributions help provide family transportation, hygiene supplies and clothing, educational activities, mentoring, special events, and support for young people returning home.
Restore the Circle currently supports families in Honduras and Costa Rica. Sponsorships support the program as a whole rather than establishing one-to-one relationships with individual children.
Every Child Deserves a Second Chance
Children in detention should never be forgotten or separated from their families simply because of poverty. With the support of families, churches, volunteers, and communities, we can restore connections, protect children’s rights, and help young people build a more hopeful future.
Your involvement can make a difference—whether through volunteering, engaging your congregation, or sponsoring family connections through Restore the Circle.
How you can join us:
For Individuals
- Become a Restore the Circle sponsor for $42/month or $504/year.
- Make a one-time contribution to support children and families.
- Volunteer in program activities where opportunities are available.
- Organize a donation drive for essential supplies.
- Introduce JJAI to your church or community organization.
- Help raise awareness about the rights and needs of children in detention.
For Churches and Organizations
- Invite JJAI to share our work with your congregation or organization.
- Encourage members to become Restore the Circle sponsors.
- Organize a church-wide sponsorship campaign or group fundraising initiative.
- Engage youth groups, small groups, and volunteers in supporting children and families.
- Organize donation drives for needed supplies.
- Explore opportunities for direct community engagement in locations where JJAI operates.
- Partner with JJAI to help launch and expand Mobilize & Empower in new communities, including Puerto Rico.
Interested in sponsoring a detention center for $10,000 annually? Contact us directly for more information.