MEET TYRELL,  It’s not easy to leave the life.It’s even harder to leave your family behind when they’re still in it. But Tyrell knows it’s necessary.He’s ready for something different.Something real. His first bold step?Baptism. Not as a performance.Not as a quick fix.But as a declaration. Tyrell said, “I’m willing to make the choices. I’m willing to trust God. But I need y’all help.” That’s honesty.That’s courage.That’s the beginning of change. At Modern Abolition, we believe no one should walk this road alone.When youth like Tyrell step into new life, we step in with them—With mentors.With prayer.With community.With practical tools...

MEET TONY,  He’s young. Smart. Observant.You wouldn’t guess from the outside, but something deep is shifting in him. Tony recently made the boldest decision of his life:He chose to get baptized. It wasn’t a performance.It wasn’t for attention.It was a declaration. He said, “I’m tired of the old life. I want to try God.” Coming from a background marked by survival, betrayal, and the pressure to always “stay hard”—this choice speaks volumes. In a place where vulnerability can feel dangerous, Tony chose faith.In a system built on isolation, he chose connection.In a culture pushing violence, he chose peace. Baptism wasn’t...

MEET FRANCO,  When you first meet him, you can’t help but notice his infectious smile and child‑like energy. But once you get to know him, you realize he’s had a challenging childhood: a mom battling mental health issues, verbal abuse, low self‑esteem, and a deep hunger for family and belonging. That’s where the gangs came in. They welcomed him and offered what he was searching for. Now he’s facing a long sentence in YDF. Franco is open to the Word of God—he welcomes it. He’s smart, and he understands how Scripture applies to life. However, he’s still wrestling with the...

MEET DESHAUN, He’s close to his release date and wants a different future; one that breaks his family’s old patterns. He talks about building something real and leaving the street stuff behind. In his words, he wants to “build an empire.” There’s an internal conflict: years in the system and the pull of the streets vs. the new life God is calling him to—the man‑made empire vs. the Kingdom of God. We’ve only been inside since July 1, but already he’s naming the gap: not another class—someone who shows up. Yesterday we asked, “What would help you stay on this...

MEET LEO, Leo was 17 when he got arrested. He spent over two years in a high-security juvenile hall. By the time we met him, he was one of the oldest. He felt tired, frustrated, and stuck. Through Modern Abolition’s program, Leo met a volunteer who believed in second chances. He had nine months left and couldn’t go home. She gave him resources to help him plan for what came next. That gave him hope. Now, Leo has a job. He’s doing well in community college and plans to go to a university. His story shows how the right help...

MEET CARLOS, Carlos grew up thinking he had to be tough to make it. He used anger to protect himself and didn’t trust anyone. But deep down, he really just wanted to be seen, cared for, and guided. With help from a mentor, a safe place, and people who showed up for him, Carlos started to change. He began learning life skills, going to a church youth group, and-most of all—he started to believe his life had meaning. Now, Carlos is becoming a leader. He helps younger kids stay away from the same mistakes he made. His story isn’t over—but...