Program Aims To Get Students Off The Streets

ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI)-A message on Twitter caught our attention. The writer pointed out five deaths in north St. Louis impacting his students.  We tracked down the sender, Darren Jackson, and learned how he’s behind a non-profit that gets men off the streets and into more productive lives.

It’s called Mission St. Louis and it has been helping men in the St.  Louis metro improve their lives since 2006.  Jackson runs the “Jobs For Life” program at Mission St. Louis in The Grove neighborhood, a program designed to give African-American men the tools needed to leave the streets and lead a more productive life. Jackson says he was compelled to send out the tweet because of the impact violence has on his students. The program is funded by private donations.

“The program that I am currently running is and started focuses on equipping men at risk men to become leaders in their workplace community and family.”

Terrick Williams, 26, joined the program four weeks ago. He says the support and skills he’s learning is having a big impact on his home life and outlook for the future. Group sessions, classes and vocational training helps students set and achieve their goals., giving them an alternative to street life

“It brought me a long way from doing what I was doing. Now I’m doing something positive and its really affecting me,” said Williams.

Right now, 16 students are enrolled in the 8 month program. Workers and volunteers are hoping to keep the doors open to revitalize communities and the lives of those who live there.

Website: “Jobs For Life” program