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33% Detention increases youth felony recidivism by 33% within two years.
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66% the firearm death rate among Youth increased by 66% within 4 years.
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80%Youth IPV Cases
within nine years. |
About Us
Incredible Credible Messengers, Inc. (ICM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with offices in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, and serves formerly incarcerated individuals, youth, and vulnerable residents from the most disadvantaged communities throughout New York City. Since 2017, ICM has conducted comprehensive peacemaking, placemaking, and peacekeeping efforts throughout New York City’s public spaces, such as NYCHA communities, parks, playgrounds, Open Streets, and plazas.
Over the past 6 years, ICM has provided restorative-based services and disseminated information to around 1,500 New York City residents and visitors to reestablish neighborhood safety and connectivity. Our program activities have included trauma-responsive healing circles, workshops, job and life skills development, advocacy, case management, grassroots advocacy, organizing and mobilization, and structured participant-led forums.
ICM operates from the perspective that “healed people, heal people,” so our credible messengers work as disruptors of social dysfunction by introducing restorative practices and healing as norms within the community. Our participants lead by example by doing the work to heal from within, engaging other residents and stakeholders, and taking care of our neighborhoods.
Over the past 6 years, ICM has provided restorative-based services and disseminated information to around 1,500 New York City residents and visitors to reestablish neighborhood safety and connectivity. Our program activities have included trauma-responsive healing circles, workshops, job and life skills development, advocacy, case management, grassroots advocacy, organizing and mobilization, and structured participant-led forums.
ICM operates from the perspective that “healed people, heal people,” so our credible messengers work as disruptors of social dysfunction by introducing restorative practices and healing as norms within the community. Our participants lead by example by doing the work to heal from within, engaging other residents and stakeholders, and taking care of our neighborhoods.
History
Incredible Credible Messengers Inc inception stemmed from a course that ICM’s founder, Ms. Jackson while attending the Institute for Transformative Mentoring, based at The New School. She and her colleagues, who were employed as credible messengers, were challenged to dig deep within to identify their traumas, and then brainstorm how to provide more effective, trauma-informed reentry services in their work. Recognizing the inadequacy of services offered elsewhere–especially when delivered by individuals without lived experience in the justice system–the founders aimed to address the challenges faced by returning community members. This endeavor was motivated by a desire to prevent re-traumatization from mirroring dynamics experienced during incarceration.
Incredible Credible Messengers Inc was founded by Tyisha Jackson, Steve Exantus, and former business partners in July 2017 and was granted its official 501(c)3 status on December 28, 2017. All founders have firsthand, lived experience with the criminal justice system and are trained in restorative practices including restorative justice, relationship restoration, and trauma-responsive care. In early years, ICM leadership and volunteer staff leveraged their expertise to engage resident leaders, local decision makers, and other community stakeholders to advocate for essential support and healing-based resources that benefit vulnerable families, communities, and returning citizens. The executive team comprises five professionals well-versed in the nexus between personalized support networks and recidivism. Drawing on their diverse backgrounds, education, and personal experiences, ICM team members help participants navigate complex personal, social, and economic barriers to healthy and safe dynamics to overcome internal, family, and neighborhood discord.
Currently, ICM is focused on serving youth/young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, and ensuring their stakeholders are positioned to support their growth. We understand the importance of youth healing and development, as well as the positive changes that they create as leaders. At ICM, our youth participants lead the charge with grassroots advocacy, community organizing, youth mobilization, and recruiting efforts. They are highly effective in generating positive outcomes when they are nurtured, supported, and equipped with resources because they have the freedom to operate from a safe, secure, and whole internal space.
Incredible Credible Messengers Inc was founded by Tyisha Jackson, Steve Exantus, and former business partners in July 2017 and was granted its official 501(c)3 status on December 28, 2017. All founders have firsthand, lived experience with the criminal justice system and are trained in restorative practices including restorative justice, relationship restoration, and trauma-responsive care. In early years, ICM leadership and volunteer staff leveraged their expertise to engage resident leaders, local decision makers, and other community stakeholders to advocate for essential support and healing-based resources that benefit vulnerable families, communities, and returning citizens. The executive team comprises five professionals well-versed in the nexus between personalized support networks and recidivism. Drawing on their diverse backgrounds, education, and personal experiences, ICM team members help participants navigate complex personal, social, and economic barriers to healthy and safe dynamics to overcome internal, family, and neighborhood discord.
Currently, ICM is focused on serving youth/young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, and ensuring their stakeholders are positioned to support their growth. We understand the importance of youth healing and development, as well as the positive changes that they create as leaders. At ICM, our youth participants lead the charge with grassroots advocacy, community organizing, youth mobilization, and recruiting efforts. They are highly effective in generating positive outcomes when they are nurtured, supported, and equipped with resources because they have the freedom to operate from a safe, secure, and whole internal space.
Meet Our Incredible Experts
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Tyisha Jackson Founder and Executive Director |
Tyisha Jackson the Executive Director for Incredible Credible Messengers Inc creating and directing programs that will end recidivism for Incredible Credible Messengers Inc clients. After being directly impacted by the justice system Tyisha struggled to get employment, housing, education, and parenting support. Instead of remaining a victim to her circumstances, Tyisha decided to be the change that she and so many other vulnerable individuals, families, and communities desperately needed.
Tyisha is a fearless, dedicated, and purpose-driven leader. Her experience has led her to guide a team of Credible Messengers who will support, educate, and restore individual, family, and community dynamics through peer support, advocacy, and programming. Tyisha received a certification from the Institute for Transformative Mentoring based at The New School, where she learned best practices in trauma-informed care and restorative practices then officially started her journey to Introduce these healing processes to at-risk youth living in NYC.
Tyisha is a fearless, dedicated, and purpose-driven leader. Her experience has led her to guide a team of Credible Messengers who will support, educate, and restore individual, family, and community dynamics through peer support, advocacy, and programming. Tyisha received a certification from the Institute for Transformative Mentoring based at The New School, where she learned best practices in trauma-informed care and restorative practices then officially started her journey to Introduce these healing processes to at-risk youth living in NYC.
STEVE EXANTUS, LMHC
Treasurer
Treasurer
Steve Exantus is a Mental Health Counselor and received his degree from Hofstra University. He worked as an intern with Seafield Services an outpatient substance facility located in Mineola, NY for eight months. In addition, he has worked for the NYC Department of Probation Juvenile Division as a Clinical Advisor for the past three years. His role included providing mental health referrals to outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatment centers for adolescents. Steve collaborated with Probation Officers as a consultant on cases that involved complex behavioral and mental health concerns for clients.
Steve Exantus’ greatest passion is assisting others as they navigate their journey and helping them fulfill their goals. The clients he worked with have multiple DSM diagnoses and his goals with them included promoting an atmosphere of hope, primarily through a CBT framework and Solution Focused Therapy. Currently, Steve works for The Bridge on a Forensic, Assertive, Community, Treatment (FACT) Team, which provides home and community-based mental health services for individuals with severe mental health diagnoses. Steve strives to work with people to help eliminate the stigma attached to mental health services. Many people feel that therapy does not work, and do not want to be labeled. However, once a trusting relationship is developed with the right person they can make great strides towards completing their personal goals.
Steve Exantus’ greatest passion is assisting others as they navigate their journey and helping them fulfill their goals. The clients he worked with have multiple DSM diagnoses and his goals with them included promoting an atmosphere of hope, primarily through a CBT framework and Solution Focused Therapy. Currently, Steve works for The Bridge on a Forensic, Assertive, Community, Treatment (FACT) Team, which provides home and community-based mental health services for individuals with severe mental health diagnoses. Steve strives to work with people to help eliminate the stigma attached to mental health services. Many people feel that therapy does not work, and do not want to be labeled. However, once a trusting relationship is developed with the right person they can make great strides towards completing their personal goals.
