Moving Teens Toward Greater Independence
Returning to the Youth Service Center (YSC)
For nine years, Restoration 1:99 provided weekly, trauma-informed programming for young women on the girls’ units at the Youth Service Center. Following an 11-year hiatus, we are thrilled to announce our return to YSC in January 2027.
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The lasting impact of our previous work is still evident today—we remain in meaningful contact with several of the young women who walked through our doors years ago.
Meeting Youth Where They Are
Many of the young people we walk alongside do not share a Christian background. Our mission isn’t to preach overt messages; it’s to demonstrate Christ’s love through faithful presence. We focus on meeting them right where they are, engaging in honest conversations, and building authentic relationships.
Will You Walk Alongside Them?
If you are looking for a practical way to serve justice-involved youth in D.C., R1:99 may be a fit for you. We need dedicated volunteers willing to offer 90 minutes a week to listen, encourage, and support these incredible young people as they move toward greater independence.
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Ready to Learn More: Click here to fill out an interest form today.
How To Prepare to Serve
Serving incarcerated youth requires care, grounding, and preparation. Prior to serving at the YSC, all volunteers complete our Compassionate Witness 10-week virtual program (requiring attendance at 8 of 10 sessions) to learn relational engagement, trauma-informed presence, and active listening.
Our next training cohort is forming soon! Click the Volunteer Application Form link below to submit an application and reserve your spot.
How You Can Engage
​ Become a Volunteer Mentor
If you feel called to support youth in our city and want to foster healing within a structured, safe environment, we invite you to apply.
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Qualifications: Age 18+;
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Pass required background checks;
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Complete the 10-week Compassionate Witness training group;
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Attend weekly Healing Conversations group support
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(This starts once you have completed the Compassionate Witness group);
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Commit to 2–4 Sunday sessions per month for 1 year.
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Schedule:
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Sundays at YSC, 12:45 PM – 4:15 PM
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12:45 PM team prep/prayer
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2:00–3:30 PM youth session
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3:45–4:00 PM debrief.
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Thursdays Healing Conversations, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM, virtual.
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This is your weekly learning and support group.
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​​Financial Support
Because this returning program is currently unfunded, we are actively seeking both volunteers and financial partners to help bring this vision to life.
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Click here to financially support this program.​
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Both men, women, and couples can apply. When we have enough interest, we will expand to working with the boys.