HISTORY
Lawrence A. Stone, Founder of the "Big Homie Program",
believes his former lifestyle as an ex-felon, drug dealer
and gang member is what allows him to motivate and empower
youth to change their lives as he has changed his. (Read
Lawrence's story)
Lawrence believes his life is a testimony to the power
of the Creator. He has been fortunate, as well as blessed
to meet men who have stood by his side to guide him from
a life of violence - to a life of peace and love for his
community.
It is important to Lawrence that at-risk-youth are safe
from destruction and death caused by gang violence and
drugs. His goal is to shield the youth from the feelings
of hopelessness and not belonging. Serving his community
provides him with a sense of purpose. Watching a troubled
youth turn his life around gives him a great deal of satisfaction.
He is committed to giving the community the necessary
resources (i.e. time, labor etc.), available to him, that
will help build and create community sustainability.
In the past, Lawrence has sponsored community events
that involve youth participation. He has provided mentor
and mediation services with the Tacoma Public Schools,
City of Tacoma Catholic Community Services and numerous
state-operated facilities.
He is a certified mediator and international public speaker.
Lawrence's vision for the Big Homie Program is to provide
youth with an alternative to the pitfalls of gangs, drugs
and violence while guiding them towards education and
gainful employment.
When it comes to community, Lawrence Stone has been blessed
by God. He feels very blessed to have Pastor and Mentor
like Pastor Ron Vignec.
Lawrence credits Pastor Ron Vignec and Pastor Annie Barnes-Jones
for believing in him. He is also very thankful for Vision
Youth and Northwest Leadership for embracing his community
visions in ministry. If it wasn't for Melissa Monroe,
Lawrence feels he would not be in this ministry position
today.
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MISSION
The Big Homie Program's mission is to serve as the primary
link for youth-at-risk, institutions and community
services.
BHP specializes and support juvenile offenders, and youth at risk in transition between
the ages of 14-24.
We assist in the rehabilitation process
of juvenile offenders by:
- Reducing recidivism of high risk offenders
- Decreasing the overrepresentation of minority youth in the juvenile
justice system
- Diminishing the risk factor to the community
- Decreasing the number of committable youth who are
in transition.
We play a pivotal role in youth accountability,
rehabilitation and public safety.
We provide after-care services to youth.
We specialize in critical support, and supervision treatment plans for minority and disadvantage youth.
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OBJECTIVES
- Re-engage and prepare confined offenders for transition
back into the community.
- Promote and foster youth accountability, rehabilitation,
and public safety.
- Deliver and provide intensive aftercare service,
providing direct supervision.
- Big Homie's assume the role of mentor, by increasing
self-esteem, creating incentives and aiding in the socioeconomic
variables facing the target-population, by decreasing
the risk factors associated with deviant behavior and
gang violence.
- Develop meaningful intermediate and long-term outcomes
for juvenile offenders.
- Diminishing distrust among juvenile offenders and the
justice system.
- Assist and support juvenile offenders and their families
during the complex transitions and recovery.
- Maintain effective relationships with principals and
state agencies/authorities to keep parties informed
of case progress.
- Serve as liaison for juvenile offenders and their
families obtaining and receiving resources and assistance through
community-based referrals.
- Develop, manage and provide services that reduce the
risks and endangerment to the community.
SUPPORT
