The Hustlepreneur Mentality (H.E.M.) Youth Diversion Program is coming to Pine Bluff.
With a policy focus on workforce development and juvenile justice prevention, the H.E.M. is a six-month entrepreneur and mentoring intervention program rooted in the culinary arts, according to a news release from Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration.
Participants will engage in group mentoring, workshops, and peer-coaching to improve outcomes such as hope, self-esteem, resilience, entrepreneurial knowledge, and future orientation.
Kideste M. Yusef, associate dean of research/associate professor of criminal justice at Bethune-Cookman University, will serve as principal investigator for the program.
The H.E.M. is presented by nationally known Chef Jeff Henderson, in partnership with PEN OR PENCIL Affiliate Network and sponsored by the National Alliance of Faith and Justice and the 400 Years of African American History Committee.
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Henderson has been featured on “Oprah’s Life Class,” “Good Morning America,” the “Today” show, “ABC World News Tonight,” CNN, “The Steve Harvey Show” and in major publications, according to a news release.
“Led by credible messengers and trained professionals who serve as PEN OR PENCIL affiliate leaders, H.E.M. empowers justice-involved youth ages 15-21 through entrepreneurship, hands-on culinary training, career exploration, and personal development,” according to the release.
The program grew out of a chance meeting between Addie Richburg, president of the National Alliance of Faith and Justice, Henderson, and Yusef at the fifth annual National Returning Citizens Conference in Columbus, Ohio, in April where Henderson was the keynote speaker.
“In partnership with with the Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration, the Pine Bluff PEN OR PENCIL affiliate is excited to collaborate with juvenile Judge Earnest E. Brown Jr. and is optimistic about what this means for our community,” said the Rev. Jesse C. Turner, executive director of PBICVR.
“We are excited to enhance opportunities for system-involved youth in Pine Bluff and make a meaningful impact with the Hustlepreneur Mentality Program. Pine Bluff is blessed to be included in the seven implementation sites across the country and one control group site. The sites include Las Vegas, Nev.; Pine Bluff, Ark.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Norwalk, Conn.; Middle Georgia; Kansas City, Kan.; and St. Louis, Mo. The program formally kicked off this August and will run until February 2026,” Turner said.