For young men of color whose lives have been impacted by violence, finding a safe haven can be difficult.

One mentoring organization is working to give these young men a support system and the opportunity to use their experience to help others just like themselves.

The “Make it Happen” program at Neighbors in Action offers therapy, advocacy and mentoring to young men of color who have been impacted by violence.

The program’s peer leaders are called "The Champs,” which stands for Community Healers and Mentors for Personal Success. The champs use their experience with violence to mentor young men of color, tapping into a world that adults can't always penetrate. 
  
“Make it Happen” started in 2012 and now has several therapy groups in schools and centers, each offering one-on-one therapy to young men of color.