Meet: Melvin Isaac

NYTS Graduate: 1998
Released: 2003

EMPLOYER:

Uth Turn - Queens, New York
Facilitator

I began working for Project Uth Turn as a Facilitator in February 2004.

I worked out of Dunton Presbyterian Church in Queens, New York, with at-risk youth. I conduct one-on-one and group counseling, conflict resolution training and life skills training. For many, Uth Turn is their last chance to "get real" about their life, find direction, set goals and develop the skills that they will need to succeed.

I have two interns from the New York Theological Seminary who assist me in providing the needed service for youths between the ages of 13 - 21. One day out of the week I teach these youths art & sign language, and on the weekends we take them bowling, base ball games, amusement parks, and art museums.

I advocate for at risk youths at Schools, Communities Boards, Family Courts, Administration for Children's Services (ACS), and Community's Parent Groups.

In addition, I am a recent graduate of Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT). I am now a Certified Community Producer for a Studio, and Remote video editing with Avid. On Saturdays as a volunteer, I teach art/sign Language at a Homeless Shelter in Manhattan, and help distribute food to the poor at a church in Brooklyn.

IN CLOSING....

Since being released on parole on June 9, 2003, from Queensboro, Isaac has been involved with several motivating programs and employment that could assist him in helping others. For instance, On July 9, 2003, he started Day Top Substance Abuse Program and have graduated one year later. He devoted his energies to Exodus Transitional Community as a case manager and art therapeutic teacher. He accomplished his mission of getting his art peddler's license within the same year of his release, and began working for Uth Turn Program at Abyssinian Baptist Church at: IS 172 Adam Clayton Powell Middle School in New York.

Isaac says, he asks you to really support the NYTS graduates who are remain incarcerated in the quest for parole.

Thank you and May God continue to shine his amazing grace upon us.

-Melvin