Camden job training program transforms young man’s life; he now serves as a mentor at Hopeworks.
On his 20th birthday, James Horn found himself in solitary confinement at the Riverside Correctional Facility in Philadelphia, marking a significant low point in his life. This experience followed a series of altercations with law enforcement, culminating in a 17-month prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to robbery. As he entered solitary confinement in November 2023, Horn faced pivotal choices about his future.
Upon his release, Horn, a high school dropout, sought to reshape his life. His aspirations included obtaining a driver’s license and earning a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. To facilitate this transformation, he enrolled in Hopeworks, a nonprofit organization based in Camden that specializes in providing high-tech training to young people from marginalized communities. Hopeworks aims to break the cycle of poverty by equipping participants with essential skills and employment opportunities. This marked Horn’s second attempt at the program; he had previously dropped out after three months in 2019, reverting to the streets.
In a turn of fate, Horn successfully completed the Hopeworks program earlier this year and subsequently secured a position within the organization. He began a special assignment in July focused on supporting at-risk youth, becoming an inspirational figure in his community.
Horn’s involvement with Hopeworks has been particularly noteworthy. The organization’s truancy program compensates young people for completing technical training and assists in job placement. Horn’s work has become instrumental not only in his life but in the lives of numerous others, as he was assigned to the Camden County Restorative and Transformative Justice HUB. This state pilot program aims to divert young people from the juvenile justice system and support those reintegrating into the community.
At the HUB, Horn receives an annual salary of ,000, where he serves as a peer support specialist. In this role, he provides conflict resolution assistance, leads group discussions, and offers guidance to participants aged 10 to 26. He draws on his own experiences to caution against the negative paths often associated with street life.
The Camden program, supported by a .3 million state grant, operates out of a repurposed elementary school and has served approximately 200 youth since its inception. In a recent incident, while preparing for a counseling session, Horn demonstrated his commitment to his role as tensions flared among participants. His employer, Marcie Walton, emphasized the necessity of teaching young individuals conflict resolution skills and creating a supportive community environment.
Horn, who was raised by a single mother alongside three siblings, understands the struggles faced by the youth he now mentors. His determination to be a positive influence stems from a desire to set a better example for his younger sister. Reflecting on his journey, Horn remains resolute in his belief that challenges are not permanent and underscores the importance of perseverance.
