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September 1, 2023

HINDS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

One mentoring program, which was created during the pandemic in Hinds County, has evolved to provide support to young men as they transition into adulthood. Hinds County Justice Court Judge Kenny Lewis leads the mentoring program with his wife, Vickie.

“I stand before them so they won’t ever have to stand before me. That’s where it was born from,” he explained.

Lewis visits schools, community gatherings, and churches to mentor young men. He said some of the young men grew up without a father figure in their life.

Alex Jefferson, a mentee, said he was getting into fights at school. He said Lewis’ encouraging words helped motivate him. He said he’s having less problems as a student at Vicksburg High School.