Erik Murphy - Youth Detention Center
Erik Murphy attends Light Street Presbyterian Church and leads our Boys’ ministry at the Youth Detention Center in Baltimore City.
What’s your favorite Bible Verse? Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
At which facility do you serve? Baltimore City Youth Detention Center
Why did you decide to volunteer inside the jails? I decided to volunteer inside the jails because I care about people who are often overlooked or written off. Everyone makes mistakes, but I believe people deserve to be seen, heard, and given a chance to grow.
Is there one person/boy you have connected with? Yes, I’ve connected with two young men—Jaymin and Kamari. They’re both amazing individuals with a lot of heart and potential. It’s been a privilege to get to know them, encourage them, and watch them grow.
What skills do you have that make you successful in your service? I bring consistency, care, and encouragement to the youth I work with. I’m someone they can count on to show up regularly and be present with them. I genuinely care about their growth and well-being, and I try to meet them where they are without judgment. My faith plays a big role in how I serve—it helps me show up with love, patience, and hope. I believe in speaking life into people, especially those who may not hear that often.
What will change the climate of youth violence in Baltimore? I believe the climate of violence in Baltimore will start to change when people truly experience love, grace, and consistent care. If more people understood the love of Christ and what grace really means—that they are deeply valued and forgiven—it would shift how they see themselves and others. That kind of understanding can soften hearts and change behaviors. I’ve seen how just being consistent and showing up with love can make someone feel seen and know their life has meaning. When people know someone cares about them, they start to carry themselves differently.
Comments: Volunteering at the Baltimore City Youth Detention Center has been both life-changing and life-giving. I genuinely look forward to Tuesday nights with the guys—it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my week. The experience has deepened my faith and reminded me how powerful it is to simply show up and be present. It’s an incredible feeling to be used by God in a way that can literally shift the trajectory of someone’s life. Watching these young men open up, ask questions, and start to believe in something greater gives me hope—not just for them, but for our whole community.
Erik Murphy - Youth Detention Center
Erik Murphy attends Light Street Presbyterian Church and leads our Boys’ ministry at the Youth Detention Center in Baltimore City.
What’s your favorite Bible Verse? Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
At which facility do you serve? Baltimore City Youth Detention Center
Why did you decide to volunteer inside the jails? I decided to volunteer inside the jails because I care about people who are often overlooked or written off. Everyone makes mistakes, but I believe people deserve to be seen, heard, and given a chance to grow.
Is there one person/boy you have connected with? Yes, I’ve connected with two young men—Jaymin and Kamari. They’re both amazing individuals with a lot of heart and potential. It’s been a privilege to get to know them, encourage them, and watch them grow.
What skills do you have that make you successful in your service? I bring consistency, care, and encouragement to the youth I work with. I’m someone they can count on to show up regularly and be present with them. I genuinely care about their growth and well-being, and I try to meet them where they are without judgment. My faith plays a big role in how I serve—it helps me show up with love, patience, and hope. I believe in speaking life into people, especially those who may not hear that often.
What will change the climate of youth violence in Baltimore? I believe the climate of violence in Baltimore will start to change when people truly experience love, grace, and consistent care. If more people understood the love of Christ and what grace really means—that they are deeply valued and forgiven—it would shift how they see themselves and others. That kind of understanding can soften hearts and change behaviors. I’ve seen how just being consistent and showing up with love can make someone feel seen and know their life has meaning. When people know someone cares about them, they start to carry themselves differently.
Comments: Volunteering at the Baltimore City Youth Detention Center has been both life-changing and life-giving. I genuinely look forward to Tuesday nights with the guys—it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my week. The experience has deepened my faith and reminded me how powerful it is to simply show up and be present. It’s an incredible feeling to be used by God in a way that can literally shift the trajectory of someone’s life. Watching these young men open up, ask questions, and start to believe in something greater gives me hope—not just for them, but for our whole community.
Erik Murphy attends Light Street Presbyterian Church and leads our Boys’ ministry at the Youth Detention Center in Baltimore City.
What’s your favorite Bible Verse? Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
At which facility do you serve? Baltimore City Youth Detention Center
Why did you decide to volunteer inside the jails? I decided to volunteer inside the jails because I care about people who are often overlooked or written off. Everyone makes mistakes, but I believe people deserve to be seen, heard, and given a chance to grow.
Is there one person/boy you have connected with? Yes, I’ve connected with two young men—Jaymin and Kamari. They’re both amazing individuals with a lot of heart and potential. It’s been a privilege to get to know them, encourage them, and watch them grow.
What skills do you have that make you successful in your service? I bring consistency, care, and encouragement to the youth I work with. I’m someone they can count on to show up regularly and be present with them. I genuinely care about their growth and well-being, and I try to meet them where they are without judgment. My faith plays a big role in how I serve—it helps me show up with love, patience, and hope. I believe in speaking life into people, especially those who may not hear that often.
What will change the climate of youth violence in Baltimore? I believe the climate of violence in Baltimore will start to change when people truly experience love, grace, and consistent care. If more people understood the love of Christ and what grace really means—that they are deeply valued and forgiven—it would shift how they see themselves and others. That kind of understanding can soften hearts and change behaviors. I’ve seen how just being consistent and showing up with love can make someone feel seen and know their life has meaning. When people know someone cares about them, they start to carry themselves differently.
Comments: Volunteering at the Baltimore City Youth Detention Center has been both life-changing and life-giving. I genuinely look forward to Tuesday nights with the guys—it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my week. The experience has deepened my faith and reminded me how powerful it is to simply show up and be present. It’s an incredible feeling to be used by God in a way that can literally shift the trajectory of someone’s life. Watching these young men open up, ask questions, and start to believe in something greater gives me hope—not just for them, but for our whole community.