Mackenzie Lewis - Baltimore Youth Detention Center
Where do you attend church? Union Church
What’s your favorite Bible Verse? Micah 6:8 “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.“
At which facility do you serve? Youth Detention Center
Why did you decide to volunteer inside the jails? I wanted to serve people because I believe every person is created with inherent worth and purpose. My hope is to show compassion, listen without judgment, and encourage others to see that their past does not define them and that there is hope for the future.
Is there one person you have connected with inside? I’ve really enjoyed building relationships with both the larger group of boys and the girls through more one-on-one interactions. What has been most meaningful is seeing familiar faces return each week, welcoming new participants, and continuing to build trust and meaningful connections over time.
What skills do you have that make you successful in your service? As an occupational therapist, I take a holistic approach to helping people overcome challenges and build meaningful lives. My background in life skills, mental health, trauma-informed care, and relationship-building allows me to meet people where they are while encouraging growth and resilience.
What will change the climate of youth violence in Baltimore? I don’t think there’s one right answer. As someone who is still learning from the Baltimore community, I believe meaningful change starts by listening to the people most affected and allowing them to identify their own needs. Lasting progress requires consistent, accessible resources, strong relationships, and long-term investment in the community.
Mackenzie Lewis - Baltimore Youth Detention Center
Where do you attend church? Union Church
What’s your favorite Bible Verse? Micah 6:8 “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.“
At which facility do you serve? Youth Detention Center
Why did you decide to volunteer inside the jails? I wanted to serve people because I believe every person is created with inherent worth and purpose. My hope is to show compassion, listen without judgment, and encourage others to see that their past does not define them and that there is hope for the future.
Is there one person you have connected with inside? I’ve really enjoyed building relationships with both the larger group of boys and the girls through more one-on-one interactions. What has been most meaningful is seeing familiar faces return each week, welcoming new participants, and continuing to build trust and meaningful connections over time.
What skills do you have that make you successful in your service? As an occupational therapist, I take a holistic approach to helping people overcome challenges and build meaningful lives. My background in life skills, mental health, trauma-informed care, and relationship-building allows me to meet people where they are while encouraging growth and resilience.
What will change the climate of youth violence in Baltimore? I don’t think there’s one right answer. As someone who is still learning from the Baltimore community, I believe meaningful change starts by listening to the people most affected and allowing them to identify their own needs. Lasting progress requires consistent, accessible resources, strong relationships, and long-term investment in the community.
Where do you attend church? Union Church
What’s your favorite Bible Verse? Micah 6:8 “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.“
At which facility do you serve? Youth Detention Center
Why did you decide to volunteer inside the jails? I wanted to serve people because I believe every person is created with inherent worth and purpose. My hope is to show compassion, listen without judgment, and encourage others to see that their past does not define them and that there is hope for the future.
Is there one person you have connected with inside? I’ve really enjoyed building relationships with both the larger group of boys and the girls through more one-on-one interactions. What has been most meaningful is seeing familiar faces return each week, welcoming new participants, and continuing to build trust and meaningful connections over time.
What skills do you have that make you successful in your service? As an occupational therapist, I take a holistic approach to helping people overcome challenges and build meaningful lives. My background in life skills, mental health, trauma-informed care, and relationship-building allows me to meet people where they are while encouraging growth and resilience.
What will change the climate of youth violence in Baltimore? I don’t think there’s one right answer. As someone who is still learning from the Baltimore community, I believe meaningful change starts by listening to the people most affected and allowing them to identify their own needs. Lasting progress requires consistent, accessible resources, strong relationships, and long-term investment in the community.