In their Own Voices (Continued)

Youth Transformation Program Coordinator, Project Kinship

Born in Vietnam during the war and arriving in the United States as a child, he faced early challenges adapting and finding belonging, which ultimately led him down a path of gang involvement and incarceration as a teenager. Matthew now uses his lived experience to help young people challenge their thinking, repair harm, and build a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. Matthew supports justice-involved youth through rehabilitation and community reentry, facilitating restorative circles both in custody and in the community.

Clinical Case Manager, Project Kinship

Whitney provides intensive, hands-on case management to justice-involved individuals working to rebuild their lives. In her role within Project Kinship’s corrections cohort, she works closely with participants to reduce recidivism by helping them develop life skills, access resources, and build a stronger foundation for the future. Guided by her belief that everyone deserves support and opportunity, Whitney is dedicated to helping individuals feel valued, capable, and connected to their community.

Care Advocate, Project Kinship, Youth Transformation Program

Jazmin Ocampo brings lived experience and deep empathy to her role as a Care Advocate with Project Kinship. As a teenager, she was searching for a sense of belonging and found it through Kinship’s programs, where she was introduced to a supportive community and space to heal. Today, she facilitate restorative circles that once helped her, creating environments where youth can feel seen, build trust, and begin their own journey toward growth and stability.  Jazmin is committed to helping young people find a different path, just as she did.