Aftercare Program Points Released Youth to Employment and Education

Fernando ended up in a juvenile correctional facility as a teenager for extorting people for money on the streets of El Salvador.

“I had a different mindset before I was locked up. I thought the only way out of poverty was to get money illegally,” he confesses. “The teachers from Counteract taught me another way while I was behind bars. They showed me that I can work hard, earn money, and support my family.”

Fernando is nowpart of Counteract’s aftercare program that assists youth with their reintegration into the community when they are released. Counteract Success Coaches provide essential support and mentorship to these young people, guiding them towards self-sufficiency and positive community contributions. The aftercare program emphasizes the importance of employment and education.

There are more than 200 active participants in the aftercare program:
– 101 are attending school (high school, trade school, college)
– 65 are both working and attending school
– 62 are working full-time

“We are not giving handouts. We encourage youth to work because we know God created us to work. We try to get them working as soon as possible because they have immediate expenses,” said Johana, the Aftercare Coordinator in El Salvador. “This approach not only fosters a strong work ethic among the participants, but it also instills a sense of pride in their ability to contribute to their own and their family’s livelihood.”

Over the past year, youth have gained employment in a wide range of industries and positions, including optometrist assistant, electrician, baker, hotel concierge, accounting assistant, music teacher, welder, and many more.

With support from donors, young men and women are overcoming their past challenges and becoming productive members of their local communities across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.