About Us
About HALO Youth's Founder, Jeremy J. Pavlik
My Story: Why HALO Youth Exists
My name is Jeremy J. Pavlik, and my journey is the foundation of Halo Youth. I spent 15 years incarcerated, battling addiction, homelessness, and a sense of hopelessness that felt impossible to escape. As a young man, I made choices that led me down a destructive path, not because I wanted to ruin my life, but because I didn’t see any other way. I didn’t believe I had options, and I certainly didn’t believe I was worth saving.
But something changed. Through mentorship, recovery, and an unwavering determination to turn my life around, I found purpose. I became a Certified Peer and Family Specialist, a Forensic Peer Specialist, and a Peer and Youth Recovery Coach. Most importantly, I became an advocate for those who, like me, once felt forgotten. I founded Halo Youth to be the program I wish I had when I was young—the guidance I needed before it was too late.
I know firsthand what it’s like to leave incarceration with nothing but the clothes on your back and the stigma of a criminal record. I understand the struggles of addiction and the fear of never being accepted back into society. This is why Halo Youth exists—to make sure no young person has to navigate reentry alone, to show them that redemption is possible, and to provide the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.
The Process
What We Do
Halo Youth is a dedicated program under the Halo Reentry umbrella, created to serve Justice-involved and at-risk youth by offering mentorship, recovery coaching, life skills training, and compassionate support throughout their Reentry journey. Rooted in lived experience and guided by a commitment to second chances, Halo Youth is designed to meet young people where they are-physically, emotionally, and spiritually-and help guide them toward stability, purpose, and long-term success. At Halo youth, we believe that every young person, no matter their past, deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future. We provide structured, personalized support for youth who are navigating incarceration, juvenile detention, probation, or other systems involvement.
Many of the young people we work with have experienced trauma, substance use, homelessness, or disconnection from their families and communities. Our goal is to step in during these critical moments of transition and offer not just services and resources-but hope, healing, and belonging. What makes Halo Youth different is that our mentorship and coaching are built on real, lived experience. Our founder, Jeremy Pavlik, comes from a very troubled childhood, spent 15 years incarcerated and overcame addiction and homelessness to become a certified Peer and Family Specialist, Forensic Peer Specialist, and Youth Recovery Coach. That lived journey drives every element of Halo Youth’s approach. The youth we serve know they are not being judged-they are being understood, supported, and believed in.
Many of the young people we work with have experienced trauma, substance use, homelessness, or disconnection from their families and communities. Our goal is to step in during these critical moments of transition and offer not just services and resources-but hope, healing, and belonging. What makes Halo Youth different is that our mentorship and coaching are built on real, lived experience. Our founder, Jeremy Pavlik, comes from a very troubled childhood, spent 15 years incarcerated and overcame addiction and homelessness to become a certified Peer and Family Specialist, Forensic Peer Specialist, and Youth Recovery Coach. That lived journey drives every element of Halo Youth’s approach. The youth we serve know they are not being judged-they are being understood, supported, and believed in.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a youth reentry program?
Youth reentry programs, also known as aftercare services, prepare young people returning to their communities after placement in out-of-home settings like juvenile detention facilities. These programs aim to help young people successfully reintegrate into society, reduce their likelihood of re-offending (recidivism), and develop the skills needed to build positive and productive lives.
What are the goals of these programs?
Reentry programs have both individual and agency-level goals:
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Individual-level goals often include:
- Reducing recidivism rates.
- Improving personal growth, discipline, and prosocial attitudes.
- Increasing engagement in education and/or employment.
- Addressing underlying issues such as substance abuse and mental health.
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Agency-level goals can include:
- Reducing costs associated with the juvenile justice system.
- Alleviating overcrowding in facilities.
- Promoting public safety.
- Building stronger community partnerships.
Who is eligible for youth reentry programs?
Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the specific program and jurisdiction. Generally, programs are designed for youth who have been involved in the juvenile justice system and are returning to the community after detention or other out-of-home placements. Some programs may have specific age ranges or requirements related to the type of offense. For instance, one program specifies a target age range of 14-24 for formerly incarcerated or gang-involved youth. Another source states eligibility for homeless youth from 16 to under 22 years of age in transitional living programs
What are some of the challenges face by youth reentering society?
Youth returning to the community often face several challenges, including:
- Lack of familial support.
- Difficulties in education and employment, such as issues with school re-enrollment, transferring credits, and obtaining job-specific skills and training, as well as finding employment due to their juvenile record.
- Finding stable and permanent housing.
- Mental and physical health issues, including substance abuse problems.
- Disrupted development and trauma resulting from incarceration.
- Social and emotional difficulties in navigating community life and relationships.
What services do they offer?
Reentry programs provide a range of services tailored to individual needs, often including:
- Case management and mentorship: Building relationships with case managers and mentors to support the transition and address challenges.
- Education and employment support: Assistance with enrolling in school, obtaining vocational training, job readiness, and employment placement.
- Mental health and substance use treatment: Counseling, therapy, and connections to community resources for mental health and addiction recovery.
- Housing assistance: Support in finding stable and safe housing, including transitional housing or connections to resources like host homes.
- Family reunification and support: Activities and resources to improve family relationships and build strong support systems.
- Life skills training: Developing essential skills like financial literacy, communication, problem-solving, and building positive relationships.
- Legal aid: Assistance with clearing records, obtaining vital documents, and understanding legal rights.
How long do youth reentry programs typically last?
The duration of involvement can vary based on individual needs, court requirements, program guidelines, and availability of community resources. Most juvenile reentry programs involve around 120 days (or four months) of direct service after release from a residential facility, but the total duration can extend beyond this initial period.
Can parents/guardians be involved?
Yes, family involvement is often considered crucial for success in juvenile reentry programs. Programs may offer services and support to empower parents and guardians in planning visits, improving communication, and strengthening the overall family structure.
How effective are these programs?
Research suggests that reentry programs can reduce recidivism among youth. Some programs have reported significant reductions in recidivism rates, with some studies finding reductions of up to 30%. These programs can also improve areas such as academic performance and employment rates. Refer to the cited resources for specific program results.
Join us!
We invite you to be part of the HALO Youth movement
Whether you’re a young person seeking support, a community member wanting to get involved, or an organization looking to partner, we invite you to be part of the Halo Youth movement. Together, we can create lasting change and empower the next generation.
If you’d like to support our mission, consider donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Every action makes a difference, and with your help, we can ensure that no young person is left behind.
If you’d like to support our mission, consider donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Every action makes a difference, and with your help, we can ensure that no young person is left behind.