Mentors Making a Difference: Inside the JK Movement at YouthLink
At YouthLink, our mission is guided by Nine Guiding Principles that shape everything we do: Journey Oriented, Trauma-Informed, Non-Judgmental, Harm Reduction, Trusting Youth-Adult Relationships, Strengths Based, Positive Youth Development, Holistic, and Collaboration. These principles ensure we provide the most effective and compassionate support possible to youth experiencing homelessness. One of our most impactful collaborations is with the JK Movement (JKM), whose facilitators Glo and Kardel have become integral to our community. They’re not just here to mentor; they’re here to support youth to change their lives. Glo and Kardel have been operating at YouthLink for over three years, and their presence at our Drop-In Center has made a world of difference.
The JK Movement is a non-profit organization that provides mentorship programs for youth in the metro and surrounding areas. Their mission is to foster strong interpersonal skills, promote educational and career pathways, and instill a sense of hope in young people. JKM focuses on youth showing signs of turbulent transitions, aiming to establish a positive support system around them before or as they face significant challenges.
The original JKM model at YouthLink looked like weekly group sessions covering everything from hygiene to business skills and mental health, creating a space for youth to discuss their experiences and develop job readiness skills. To encourage participation, youth were given a stipend of $15 per hour for attending these sessions. This stipend not only worked to provide a financial incentive to participate in the group, but also an opportunity to implement important job skills like timeliness, accountability, and communication.
However, due to funding constraints, the stipends were cut, and the formal group sessions were discontinued. This change could have significantly impacted the youth, but Glo and Kardel adapted their approach to maintain their high level of support. “We started just checking in with kids, with youth, about how they’re doing in a real way, there’s no judgment here,” Glo explains. They transitioned from primarily group sessions to building one-on-one relationships with the youth. This shift allowed them to meet youth where they are, both physically and emotionally, continuing their mentorship in a more personalized and flexible manner.
When you talk to Glo and Kardel, you quickly realize that they view life as a journey. They engage with youth, helping them connect the dots between their past, present, and future. “We’re really trying to bolster what it is that they’re trying to do,” Glo says, highlighting the focus on helping youth see the bigger picture and understand where they want to go.
Both Glo and Kardel share some of the young people’s lived experiences and understand that many of the youth that come through YouthLink’s doors have been through a lot. Their approach is built on empathy and understanding. “The tone was set that this was a safe space,” Glo shares. “What you share here stays in here—Vegas rules.” This trauma-informed approach means they’re not just addressing immediate needs but also creating an environment where youth feel safe to open up and share their stories.
One of the things that stands out about Glo and Kardel is their non-judgmental attitude. They meet youth where they are, offering support without labeling or criticizing. “Unbiased help means not always agreeing and sugar-coating things for them,” Glo says. This openness and honesty help build trust and respect, making it easier for youth to engage honestly.
Trust is key in their work. Glo and Kardel (affectionately called “Coach” by youth) are not just mentors but trusted adults who genuinely care. “We’re both available, we’re both here, we’re both there,” Kardel explains. This consistent presence means that the youth know they can rely on them, whether it’s for a chat, a vent session, or just some support.
What’s remarkable is how they focus on the strengths of each young person. They help youth recognize their own skills and talents, building on these positives. “Between the both of us, we have dang near 100 years of different life experiences,” Glo laughs. “We can help you get to the answers that may be for you.” This strengths-based approach is all about inspiring confidence and resilience.
Glo and Kardel also bring something special to the Drop-In Center: a focus on creative expression and emotional support. Coach K’s recording studio is a popular spot, where youth can come on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make music and express themselves. It’s more than just a creative outlet; it’s a way for them to process emotions and experiences.
Glo emphasizes that their role is different from that of case managers. While case managers primarily focus on connecting youth with resources and ensuring their basic needs are met, Glo and Kardel provide additional and often much needed emotional and psychological support. “We’re here to help them understand how life works and to keep them in a position to get help,” Glo says. It’s about teaching life skills and ensuring that youth understand the importance of maintaining YouthLink’s community guidelines and accountability.
Their impact is profound. Glo recalls video testimonials collected from youth that truly capture the essence of their work. “Almost everybody in the video, girl, boy, gay, straight, was like, I just feel like it’s family down here,” Glo shares. This sense of family, safety, support, and radical accountability is what makes their approach so effective.
Glo and Kardel’s commitment to fostering growth and resilience among youth at YouthLink is evident in every interaction. Through their dedication, they not only provide support but also inspire hope and confidence in the young people they work with. Their journey-oriented, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach sets a powerful example of mentorship and advocacy in action.
As we reflect on the impact of Glo, Kardel, and the JK Movement at YouthLink, we are reminded of the importance of creating spaces where youth feel heard, valued, and supported. Their work exemplifies the transformative power of genuine connections and unconditional support in nurturing the potential of every young person. At YouthLink, we are grateful for their partnership and the positive impact they continue to make in our community.
