Empowering Inner-City Youth Through Spirituality and Leadership | JAIA Youth (Just as I Am)
Background
JAIA Youth (Just as I Am) is a transformative program that empowers inner-city youth through leadership development, mental wellness, and social justice. Rooted in interfaith spirituality, JAIA helps young people explore mindfulness, purpose, and resilience, providing a safe space for self-acceptance and growth. By nurturing both the mind and spirit, JAIA builds the leaders of tomorrow.
Initiative Overview
Founded by the Rev. Gena Jefferson, an ordained interfaith minister and social worker, JAIA Youth offers a unique approach to youth empowerment, blending spirituality with personal and leadership development. With a focus on mindfulness, moral grounding, and social justice, JAIA supports youth in exploring their own spirituality while developing the tools needed for personal growth and community leadership.
Impact
Since 2014, JAIA has served over 3,500 youth through virtual, hybrid, and in-person programs.
The Mindful Leaders Institute provides a paid, in-house internship program, training young people in personal leadership, service, and visioning over a span of three years.
Healthy Minds, Healthy Vibes is a 15–18-week art-based experiential program focused on mental health literacy, trauma healing, and mindfulness practices.
In 2020, a Rutgers University evaluation found that JAIA participants experienced clear personal growth, developed leadership skills, and left with a deeper sense of self-understanding and resilience.
Conclusion
How Spirituality Makes Our Work Different:
Spirituality is at the core of JAIA Youth’s approach. Rev. Gena Jefferson believes that personal development cannot be separated from spiritual development, and JAIA provides a space where young people can fully explore their own spirituality in a supportive environment. Through mindfulness, ethical grounding, and moral development, participants are empowered to face life’s challenges with resilience and purpose while also fostering leadership and self-acceptance.
Join Us: Discover how JAIA Youth is nurturing the next generation of leaders through a unique blend of spirituality, mindfulness, and personal development.