Walking in Memphis for 50 years!
JIFF has faithfully served Memphis youth as a 501(c)(3) since 1970 when a local chapter of Youth For Christ was launched by our founder, Chan Prosser. In 2005, under the leadership of Rick Carr, our non-profit Charter name was changed to JIFF. With our new name and leadership, our mission was narrowed to focus efforts on our interventions being provided to youth in the Memphis and Shelby County's juvenile justice system.
JIFF acquired the Abe Scharff YMCA in 2006 and moved in 2009, after a three million dollar renovation and expansion.
Since 2014, under the leadership of Richard Graham, JIFF has continued the legacy of serving our city's most vulnerable and marginalized youth. In 2016 one of Memphis Leadership Foundation's ministries, Mediation and Restitution Reconciliation Services (MARRS), merged with JIFF. This program receives referrals for lower risk first time offenders from juvenile court with the goal of diverting continued criminal behaviors.
Since 2014, we have doubled the number of evidence-based programs we provide, our budget has increased by 26%, our staff has increased by 29%, and the number of youth we serve annually has increased by 75%.
In 2020 we celebrated 50 years of changed lives GOD has transformed through the legacy and leadership of JIFF. Our past is etched with eternal impact and our future is marked by continued vision and expansion of God's kingdom.
JIFF acquired the Abe Scharff YMCA in 2006 and moved in 2009, after a three million dollar renovation and expansion.
Since 2014, under the leadership of Richard Graham, JIFF has continued the legacy of serving our city's most vulnerable and marginalized youth. In 2016 one of Memphis Leadership Foundation's ministries, Mediation and Restitution Reconciliation Services (MARRS), merged with JIFF. This program receives referrals for lower risk first time offenders from juvenile court with the goal of diverting continued criminal behaviors.
Since 2014, we have doubled the number of evidence-based programs we provide, our budget has increased by 26%, our staff has increased by 29%, and the number of youth we serve annually has increased by 75%.
In 2020 we celebrated 50 years of changed lives GOD has transformed through the legacy and leadership of JIFF. Our past is etched with eternal impact and our future is marked by continued vision and expansion of God's kingdom.
JIFF Program Model — Addresses and reduces juvenile crime and violence in Memphis by providing four programs which lend support and intervention to youth through a focused, individualized, and holistic approach. These programs are classroom-based with an emphasis on The Six H's: Head, Heart, Health, Home, Hire-ability, and Hobbies. Outside of the classroom, JIFF participants experience field-trips, opportunities for workforce training, one-on-one time with case mentors, and assistance in making daily positive steps. The goal is to work with court-referred youth in order to reduce recidivism, facilitate effective reentry, and plan for the future.
The JIFF Building on Lauderdale — JIFF purchased the Abe Scharff building from the YMCA in 2006. After a successful building campaign and subsequent renovation (seen below), the new JIFF facility opened in 2009. With a commercial kitchen, a dining room, full gymnasium, a workout room, an education department and offices, JIFF is presently able to work with over 300 youth each year. With increased capacity and support, JIFF is poised to help up to 700 youth each year.
Workforce training
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JIFF has a history of utilizing our commercial licensed kitchen to partner with culinary internship programs for JIFF. Through a partnership with Le Cole Culinary school their students interned with JIFF and trained JIFF youth, many who entered the restaurant industry upon completion. Sweet LaLa's Bakery and JIFF joined in partnership from 2014 - 2019 to create a pipeline into employment for JIFF youth. Once a participant graduated from one of JIFF programs, they became eligible to become a Sweet LaLa's employee and received Workforce Training Classes and certification opportunities. Sweet LaLa's employees maintained close contact with their JIFF Case Manager and the rest of the JIFF team throughout their employment. This program allowed the double-efficacy of JIFF support combined with Sweet LaLa's love and training to create a beautiful outcome of success and growth! One of our graduates, Dr. Sprinkles as he is affectionately called, is their Cookie Lead and is living his best life!
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