Credible Messengers: Building Leadership, Healing, and Hope
Parkers Hope was proud to support the Block Builderz Credible Messenger Program, a collaborative program led by Block Builderz to invest in youth and young adults through mentorship, leadership development, restorative practices, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. Designed for justice-impacted youth ages 13 to 25, the program created a structured pathway for personal growth, healing, and leadership development.
OCTOBER 18, 2025 | EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN ACTION
Led by Lester Young, Jr., this session focused on the core elements of emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Participants explored how emotional intelligence strengthens decision-making, improves communication, reduces conflict, and helps individuals respond more effectively in difficult situations. Hosted by the Block Builderz Credible Messenger Program with support from the Prevention Services Department of Family and Children’s Services, the training established a strong foundation for the work ahead.
More than an introductory session, the October training centered the reality that effective mentorship begins with emotional awareness and personal discipline. For those working with youth and young adults, emotional intelligence is not optional. It is essential. This training equipped participants with practical tools they could carry into leadership, service, and everyday decision-making.
NOVEMBER 6, 2025 | FROM SELF-WORTH TO TRANSFORMATION
Parkers Hope and Betty Jackson Counseling Services partnered with Block Builderz and Lester Young to continue serving youth and young adults through a training experience that focused on healing, accountability, and personal growth. This session addressed forgiveness, transformation, self-worth, and goal-setting as necessary steps in the process of lasting change.
Participants were challenged to think deeply about what it means to move forward from harm, invest in emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, and set meaningful personal goals. The message was direct: transformation begins when people understand their worth, take ownership of their future, and commit to growing beyond their circumstances. This second session built on the emotional intelligence foundation from October and advanced the program’s focus on resilience, leadership, and restoration.
FEBRUARY 14, 2026 | CELEBRATING GROWTH RESILIENCE & NEXT STEPS
The initiative concluded on February 14, 2026, with the Credible Messenger Leadership Retreat and Graduation at Reflection Event Center in Tulsa. This final gathering brought youth, mentors, and community leaders together for a day of learning, reflection, and celebration. Parkers Hope and Betty Jackson Counseling Services helped facilitate learning around mental health needs, emotional management, and better self-management, reinforcing the program’s commitment to whole-person development. Brandis Jones, Tamika Lipsey, LCSW, and Latia Parker were part of the team supporting the event.
The retreat included career spotlight sessions, a panel discussion, self-care and vision board activities, journaling and reflection, group engagement, dinner, and a formal graduation celebration. It was designed not only to recognize completion of the program, but also to affirm the growth, leadership, resilience, and choices of the young people who participated. The day served as both a milestone and a launching point.
Together, these three events formed a clear and intentional progression. The October training built emotional intelligence. The November training deepened the work through healing, self-worth, and transformation. The February retreat and graduation celebrated progress while reinforcing leadership, resilience, and purpose. Parkers Hope is honored to support programs like Credible Messengers that help young people build the skills, mindset, and support systems needed to move forward with confidence.
