Across the country, a quarter of Americans mentor a child in some capacity each year. However, fewer than half of those who mentor do so through a formal program.

For Antwon Boone, becoming a mentor wasn’t part of his plan.

I know what it feels like to pack your life into a trash bag.

I know what it feels like to walk into a new house and not know if you’re staying two weeks or two years.

I know what it feels like to pretend you’re okay at school when your whole life feels unstable.

Erica Robinson, the state director of Youth Villages in Mississippi, spoke with Meredith Biesinger from the Daily Journal about the work Youth Villages is doing in Tupelo and the surrounding areas in Lee County. Erica emphasized how staff...