THE NEED FOR T.H.U.G.S., Inc.
More than 30% of Black young men born in 2001 are at risk of imprisonment during their lifetime. The same is true for 16% of Latino young men. The long-term negative implications for their development are staggering.
Often, these young men are unnecessarily or inappropriately detained. On average, it costs more than $70,000 per year to operate one detention bed. States spend more than three times as much per youth detainee as per public school student.
We believe that each of these young men still has a chance to become productive, healthy adults through the preventive supports and services we offer.
What is Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC)?*
Disproportionate minority contact refers to the disproportionate number of minority youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Based on the Maryland statewide analysis, disparities exist for both African American and Latino youth at the diversion, detention, and secure confinement stages.
African American youth are particularly subject to disparate levels of contact and are also significantly overrepresented at arrest, referral to DJS intake, and the case petitioning stage.
Latino youth and those classified as other minority or of mixed race are disproportionately less likely than White youth to be referred to the system.
WHAT IS T.H.U.G.S., Inc.?
T.H.U.G.S., Inc. (Together Helping Unite God’s Sons) was founded by visionary leader, Allen M. Graham in 2007.
Growing up in Montgomery County, MD, he saw as many of his friends being incarcerated or murdered as he saw of friends becoming successful.
Establishing a career in the juvenile justice system led to tremendous personal and professional growth, and Mr. Graham was inspired to create an organization that would address the issues that profoundly impact the future outcomes for incarcerated youth, like the ones he works with daily.
"The T.H.U.G.S., Inc. approach will change lives."
~Allen M.Graham, Founder
*Disproportionate Minority Contact in the Maryland Juvenile Justice System. Rep. Goccp.maryland.gov, n.d. Web. <http://www.goccp.maryland.gov/documents/DMC-report.pdf>.
OUR MISSION
T.H.U.G.S., Inc. is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young men coming from negative situations, helping them to gain the skills necessary to become confident, capable, independent adults and achieve their highest potential.
Using a structured curriculum that focuses on mentorship, life skills and developmental activities, we help these young men gain the skills necessary to make a progressive transformation in their lives.
T.H.U.G.S., Inc. FAMILY