# Mentoring program teaches kids to prevent violence

> Lansing nonprofit pairs teens with mentors to stop gun violence through real stories and career guidance
- Title: Mentoring program teaches kids to prevent violence | Shortify
- Summary: Lansing nonprofit pairs teens with mentors to stop gun violence through real stories and career guidance Formerly incarcerated mentor shares life lessons to…
- Keywords: mikey 23 foundation, envision program, lansing, michigan, derrel braxton, michael mckissic, youth.gov, gun violence, mentoring, career training, news, local
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/18/mentoring-program-teaches-kids-prevent-violence-heres-how
- Published: 2026-09-18T12:06:56.34+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mikey 23 foundation, envision program, lansing, michigan, derrel braxton, michael mckissic, youth.gov, gun violence, mentoring, career training, news, local
## Brain development gap
Adolescents develop emotional control earlier than impulse regulation, increasing violence risk with easy gun access
## Envision program launch
Mikey 23 Foundation pairs teens with mentors including judges, athletes, business owners, and tradespeople for career guidance
## Derrel Braxton's story
Former lifer spent 37 years in prison for 18-year-old robbery before being released in 2023 after Michigan Supreme Court ruling

> In the process of a robbery, I shot and killed two people and it was the worst thing that I ever did in my life
## Program impact
Teens with mentors are more likely to graduate high school, have better self-esteem, and avoid drugs and alcohol
## Michael McKissic's mission
Founder started Mikey 23 Foundation 10 years ago to honor son killed by gun violence in 2015
## Symphany Horn's perspective
Witnessed brother's gun violence trauma and joined program to develop better decision-making skills

> It helps just bring a better light to your life as a person and helps you internally decide what are you going to do
## Program differences
Envision program avoids 1970s 'Scared Straight' approach by focusing on positive choices and career paths
## Key takeaway

Formerly incarcerated mentor shares life lessons to help teens avoid violence