Donnie Johnson
As our longest-running program, YEP Mentors was the first juvenile reentry initiative of its kind in Louisiana supporting young people 8-21. In FY25, this program supported 229 youth, with 97% of participants successfully avoiding further justice system involvement. Donnie Johnson’s journey with YEP began at a pivotal moment in his life, where he discovered a transformative opportunity to grow. Over two and a half years, Donnie focused on building his character and direction with the individualized guidance of his Youth Advocate, Jermal Watson. “He is someone I can talk to and trust,” Donnie says. “YEP is the place to start if you want to
become a better version of yourself.” Through our Community-Based Mentoring program, supported by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, YEP pairs youth with trained, culturally competent staff who provide the accountability and intensive mentoring needed to navigate challenges like poverty and trauma. By fostering resilience, YEP helps young people successfully redefine their life’s path.