Mack McGhee, MA’s Post

Father God Thank you for this day Another opportunity to get it right Today I will live and walk in my truth I will lead by example I will seek to help others I will give the best in all that I do My goal will be simply to help others discover their purpose through inspiration I will be the head and not the tail I will be the message I bring. My morning Ritual/Affirmation

Happy Monday! As we kick off a new week, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on all that we have to be grateful for. An attitude of gratitude can transform the way we approach each day, allowing us to see opportunities even in challenges, and to appreciate the small moments that make life meaningful. Let’s start this week with positivity, kindness, and appreciation for the journey we’re on. Whether it’s a smile from a colleague, a peaceful moment of reflection, or progress toward a goal—there’s always something to be thankful for. Let’s carry that energy with us and spread it throughout our week! #Gratitude #PositiveMindset #NewWeekNewOpportunities

Announcing Our Next Guest Speaker for Juvenile Justice Reform Insights: Lester Young Jr. We are excited to announce our next speaker for Juvenile Justice Reform Insights: Wisdom from Across the Nation—Lester Young Jr., an inspiring leader and founder of Path2Redemption. Lester is a Champion Influence Certified Transformational Life Coach, Certified Game Changers Speaker, Certified DISC Trainer, and Certified Facilitator of “The Council for Boys & Young Men”. He is also an active member of The Leadership Challenge, The Commission of Minority Affairs, and The Affordable Housing Task Force. Hailing from Hilton Head Island, SC, Lester’s story is one of extraordinary transformation. At 19, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole until serving 20 years. Despite the obstacles, he earned his G.E.D. and pursued Business Management through Ashworth College. His leadership within the prison system led him to develop the program “Path2Redemption” in collaboration with Chaplain Gerald Potoka, a program that continues to help inmates and at-risk youth find purpose and direction. Upon his release, Lester founded Path2Redemption, a non-profit organization that facilitates workshops aimed at helping at-risk youth and returning citizens successfully reintegrate into society. Lester’s commitment to “living a life of redemption” is setting a new standard, and we are honored to have him share his powerful story and insights on youth empowerment, redemption, and transformational leadership. For this session, Lester will be speaking on “The 5 Stages of Incarceration”, a powerful topic that aims to help prepare youth for success by addressing the challenges they face at every stage of incarceration and their journey toward a better future. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM EST! Don’t miss out—see the link below to join the event and be part of this transformative conversation! Join Zoom Meeting https://lnkd.in/eiNMtfuS Meeting ID: 849 5150 8811 Passcode: 162739 Join us for this dynamic session via Zoom, as we continue our series with this incredible speaker, empowering our JDF Middle Managers to drive juvenile justice reform forward! Lester Young

The Journey of Juvenile Justice Reform: Change Takes Time but It’s Worth It Townhall Edition Juvenile Justice Reform is not a quick fix—it’s like building a plane while flying it. At JDF, we recently held a Townhall for all staff in the facility, focusing on this very reality. If it took a jurisdiction 10 years to reach its current state, it’s going to take time to make sustainable changes—at least half that time to see a true rebound. But sustainable change is what we’re committed to. Staff showed up for all three sessions, where they learned about our new Vision & Mission and participated in a survey that captured their needs and desires to improve their experience. We created space for open dialogue—staff voiced their concerns, complaints, and ideas, and leadership responded with solutions and concrete plans to address them. Everyone had the chance to hear from the entire leadership team, the Union President, and management. The consensus? There’s light at the end of the tunnel if we believe and hold on. But we must also be responsible, accountable, and lead from every level. Our shared belief in helping our youth is what brings us here daily and what will ultimately drive us forward in this work. Those closest to the problem are often closest to the solution, and we must always take time to listen to our direct care staff. Their insights guide us forward, and it’s through their voices that we will continue to make progress. Remember: Success is the progressive realization of a worthy idea. Let’s stay committed to this journey of reform, leading with responsibility, accountability, and a shared commitment to the care, welfare, safety, and security of both youth and staff.

📢 The Transfer Portal is Still Open! We are seeking strong Managers with a passion for Juvenile Justice Reform who are ready to step in and make an immediate impact. The ideal candidates will bring extensive experience and deep knowledge in facility operations, demonstrating professional courage and leadership. If you understand what it means to be fair, firm, and consistent in your approach, this is an opportunity to contribute to real change. Are you ready to be a part of a major transformation effort? Join us in driving reform, shaping young lives, and improving the future of our system. If interested, please reach out—only serious inquiries. #JuvenileJusticeReform #Leadership #Managers #CareerOpportunity #JuvenileJustice #MakeAnImpact #FairFirmConsistent #TransferPortal #FacilityManagement #TransformationEffort

Exciting Announcement: Antonia Reason to Kick Off Wayne County’s Division of Institutional Care New Speaker Series! We are thrilled to announce that Antonia Reason, a trailblazer in juvenile justice reform, will be the inaugural speaker for Wayne County’s Division of Institutional Care’s new series for JDF Middle Managers: Juvenile Justice Reform Insights: Wisdom from Across the Nation! Antonia, known to many as Toni, brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. As the Founder and CEO of Women of Reason, INC., she has dedicated her career to empowering young women and teens. Her journey began at age 22 in law enforcement, and she has since held positions from Corrections Captain to Superintendent and Deputy Secretary in Baltimore, Maryland. Antonia’s passion for leadership and juvenile justice reform is matched only by her dedication to equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed. Her academic accolades are equally impressive. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice and earned an Executive Leadership certification from Virginia Commonwealth University and Harvard Business School. Widely recognized for her contributions, she has been featured on VH1, Bravo, and in Black Enterprise. Toni has also earned prestigious honors, including Top 40 under 40 in NYC, Maryland’s Top 100 Women, and the 2024 Empowering Women Award from the Daily Record. We are honored to have Antonia join us via Zoom for our inaugural session on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM EST. This session is a unique opportunity for Wayne County’s JDF Middle Managers to hear firsthand from one of the nation’s foremost experts in juvenile justice reform, youth motivation, and leadership development. Don’t miss out—see the link below to join the event and be part of this transformative conversation! Join Zoom Meeting https://lnkd.in/eiNMtfuS Meeting ID: 849 5150 8811 Passcode: 162739 Join us as we embark on this inspiring journey to continue improving the lives of youth and families under our care! Let’s transform the future together! Antonia Reason

Announcement: Special Guest Speaker Darryl Woods for Howard University Juvenile Delinquency Class We are thrilled to announce that Elder Darryl Woods, a dynamic leader, advocate, and living testament to the power of personal transformation, will be joining Professor Mack McGhee’s Juvenile Delinquency class at Howard University as a special guest speaker this Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM EST. Darryl Woods’ story is one of profound redemption and community impact. After serving 29 years behind bars, Woods has emerged as a beacon of hope, leading initiatives that have transformed countless lives. His work, which spans partnerships with major institutions like the FBI, DEA, and local government, includes his pioneering efforts to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline through his RESTART Youth Deterrent™ and PRISON Deterrent™ programs. These programs have successfully guided thousands of at-risk youth away from the path of incarceration while helping returning citizens reintegrate into society. In addition to his advocacy, Darryl has raised over $100,000 for scholarships and vital community programs, provided job opportunities for youth and returning citizens, and continues to serve on numerous influential boards, including his appointments by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit. He is also a part of the team from Wayne County selected to participate in the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform’s Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program, in conjunction with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a prestigious initiative aimed at reshaping juvenile probation to improve outcomes for youth. Join us for an inspiring and powerful discussion with a man who not only transformed his own life but is actively shaping the future of Detroit’s youth and communities across the nation. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM EST Location: Howard University Class: Juvenile Delinquency Professor: Mack McGhee Join Zoom Meeting https://lnkd.in/e-XxA7u4 Meeting ID: 845 2919 0294 Passcode: 494911 We look forward to seeing you there!

Empowered Leadership: The Key to Lasting Change in Juvenile Justice Reform In Juvenile Justice Reform, true leadership is about empowering the right people with the right skills to lead effectively. It’s not about constant meddling, but about giving them the space to take charge in their respective areas. We have to acknowledge that incidents will happen—it’s inevitable. But scrutinizing or criticizing every misstep only deflates leaders who are learning and growing in the process. Patience is essential in this field. Sustainable change takes time, and often, those making decisions about juvenile justice have never experienced the daily realities of working with at-promise youth, spending 8 or 16 hours on a housing unit, day after day. The committed staff who give their careers to serving our most vulnerable deserve grace, support, and respect. To make reform happen, empower your leaders. Allow them to lead, and the journey—while challenging—will be worth it. #JuvenileJustice #Leadership #Empowerment #JuvenileJusticeReform #RespectAndSupport