Vicksburg’s Ward 1 Alderman Thomas “T.J.” Mayfield announced Monday the launch of the DREAM initiative, a comprehensive program designed to tackle youth crime and provide meaningful opportunities for young adults in Vicksburg.

“With a deep commitment to transforming the lives of local youth, Mayfield introduces Development and Rehabilitation through Education and Mentorship (DREAM) as a beacon of hope for the community,” Mayfield’s office said in a statement.

Mayfield himself said the initiative is named DREAM, because that is precisely what helping the youth of Vicksburg is for him.

“Since taking office five months ago, I have been driven by the urgent need to address the crime issue that plagues our young adults,” he said. “It is heartbreaking to witness the promising young men and women I once taught, now entangled in crime. They deserve a chance to find their way back to society through rehabilitation and support.”

Mayfield said recognizing the intersection of crime and poverty, along with the lack of education, DREAM will partner with the Vicksburg-Warren Youth Development Center, Hinds Community College and the Heavenly Hands Institute to offer free or low-cost educational services and job training to individuals ages 18 to 25, giving them the skills necessary for a successful future.

“Education is the cornerstone of DREAM, but mentorship is equally vital,” Mayfield said. “We need mentors to guide our youth, holding them accountable while providing the positive reinforcement they desperately need. I am a full supporter of Chief Penny Jones and the Vicksburg Police Department (VPD), but as a community, we must be more proactive in helping our hardworking officers prevent crimes.”

Mayfield said the DREAM initiative has garnered the support of key community entities, including Warren County District Attorney Ricky Smith Jr.’s office, the Warren County Sheriff’s office, VPD, Vicksburg Fire Department, the Ninth District Intervention Court and Warren County Youth Court.

“Together, they form a formidable alliance to address the root causes of youth crime and facilitate pathways to redemption,” he said.

Beginning in January, applications for the DREAM program will be available at the Youth Development Center.

“We cannot afford to divide our resources any longer,” Mayfield said. “This is our moment to harness educational opportunities for workforce development and fight crime simultaneously. With the forthcoming construction of our new port, we must prepare our community now. Not after the ribbon is cut.”

Mayfield said that preparation starts with giving young people the skills needed to succeed in the job market and the proper motivation to avoid potentially harmful situations and choices.

“This program seeks to stand in the gap for the lost technical and vocational skills of the last generation. Although college is a great choice for many, we are seeking to prepare our next generation of carpenters, welders, truck drivers, electricians, and machinists. I am a firm believer that people who have something to lose will often think twice before they make bad decisions. DA Smith can court-order some offenders who are deemed suitable for the program.”

Mayfield said his hope is the new program will help curb crime among youth by attacking the problem from multiple angles through the diverse partner-members coming together to form the initiative.

“I will continue to advocate for initiatives that nurture our families and secure a brighter future for all,” he said.