In an effort to reduce recidivism in youthful offenders, the One Heart Project is partnering with the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility and the Sarpy County Juvenile Justice Center to provide the tools needed to successfully reenter society.

Through a series of programs, including social and emotional intelligence education, one-on-one mentoring and life skills training, One Heart hopes to offer young people a new pathway to follow.

“These youth are just as important as anyone else on the planet,” One Heart CEO Steve Riach said. “They were created with a purpose and destiny. Sadly, most of them come from very difficult, emotionally fragile backgrounds. They need to know someone cares about them, believes in them, and is willing to help them get on a different pathway. That’s what we, and all of the great partners that work with us, do.”

One Heart is a nonprofit dedicated to positively impacting the lives of underserved youths across the United States. The two initial One Heart Project initiatives are a national redirection initiative and a national reentry initiative, according to the organization.

The organization grew out of a Nov. 7, 2008, football game between a Texas faith school and inmates at a maximum-security juvenile facility housing violent teen offenders. Documentary filmmakers discovered that the teens involved with the game were less likely to be rearrested after their release.

After a virtual kick off Aug. 31, the project is working initially with groups of male juvenile offenders between the ages of 16 to 19 at both the state facility and in Sarpy County. Additional groups will be launched later in the year.

“Reentry and recidivism are directly impacted by the successful reintegration of these young men and women back into our communities,” said Geri Knight, One Heart Project Nebraska state director. “The support of One Heart, community partners, and a dedicated mentor, could change the game for these youth. We are passionate about bringing positive support to the foundation of their lives.”

For more information, visit oneheart.com