YOUTH JUSTICE INITIATIVE

The Youth Justice Initiative (YJI) in West Des Moines, Iowa has been an organic approach to crime and crime prevention since 2000. YJI provides individualized services for youth ages 5-18 who have offended, who are at risk for offending, or at-risk of dropping out of school. Youth are referred by police, as well as, school staff.

This program boast an impressive 3% recidivism rate over the past 5 years - the lowest average of any Polk County diversion program.

YJI’s ecosystem of collective community care incorporates restorative practices, academic strengthening, family engagement, community service, and healthy meals. Community members help youth grow socially, emotionally, and to be accountable. YJI engages the community to encourage youth to:

Make positive changes in school attendance and performance,
Improve family relationships,
Refrain from drug use,
Reduce criminal activity, and
Become positive participatory citizens.

This year, the 2023-2024 West Des Moines Leadership Academy, a local program comprised of a cross-section of 35-40 community leaders, has chosen to partner their fundraising efforts with Friends of YJI. Their goal to raise $50,000 that will support the organization's ongoing efforts, such as youth transportation, mentorship, meal services, and diversion programming.

Friends of YJI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which means your donations are tax deductible per the IRS guidelines. The Friends of YJI’s mission is to raise funds through targeted efforts to support and enhance services of the Youth Justice Initiative (YJI) in West Des Moines, Iowa.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

Thank you to the generous sponsors that have helped us make amazing progress on our $50,000 goal. If you have sent in a check or donated online recently, we will get your logo added as soon as the funds are processed and we get your logo.

We are still looking for additional sponsors and donors and we hope you and your organization will consider making the investment and helping our local youth. Please reach out to us at wdmla24@gmail.com with any questions.

➡️For the Sponsorship Packet, please click here: Sponsorship Packet

Youth Justice Initiative

By Friends of Yji

Youth Justice Initiative

In partnership with the WDM Leadership Academy class of 2023-2024