Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley hosted a public safety roundtable focused on youth engagement and violence prevention at the Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center. The discussion centered on the Credible Messenger Program, which provides mentorship, resources, and job opportunities to young people involved in the justice system. According to Milwaukee County Executive Office, the program has contributed to a 77% reduction in recidivism among participating youth.
The event included participation from community leaders, advocates, and representatives from the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. The Credible Messenger Program aims to intervene early by connecting youth with mentors who have shared life experiences and can provide guidance before deeper involvement in the justice system.
Since launching, the program has served more than 280 youths and partnered with six community organizations, including Running Rebels and 414Life. County data shows that 66% of participants received at least 26 weeks of mentoring, totaling more than 2,000 hours of mentoring in 2023.
The program has recently expanded to include a sub-team that responds to referrals from community organizations and parents, extending services beyond system-involved youth. Milwaukee County officials say this addition is intended to streamline referrals and broaden access to support across the community.
