OC In Focus Melodie Turori OC In Focus Melodie Turori

Empowering Youth to Impact Communities

On this episode of OC In Focus we’re joined by Daniel Kim, co-founder of The Dragon Kim Foundation. Kim shares the origins of the foundation, how grief has transformed into a mission to empower youth, providing them with opportunities to pursue passions and make a difference in their communities. We're joined by Foothill High School students Carson Ly and Robert Padilla, winners of the 2023 Dragon Kim Challenge, who share their experience creating Creative Labs, a STEM camp for underprivileged children.

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OC In Focus Melodie Turori OC In Focus Melodie Turori

Project Kinship & OC Collaborative Courts - Part 2

Part two of our shows on restorative justice through Orange County’s Collaborative Courts and Project Kinship continues with guests Justice Joanne Motoike, Madeline Rodriguez and Jessica Vasquez from Project Kinship, and Margarita, a young person who successfully navigated Youth Development Court with the support of Project Kinship.We discuss recidivism rates, the impact of adverse childhood experiences, why intentionality in listening and healing in our communities is critical to rebuilding trust, moving away from “us versus them.”

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OC In Focus Melodie Turori OC In Focus Melodie Turori

Project Kinship & OC Collaborative Courts - Part 1

Orange County’s Collaborative Courts (sometimes known as “problem solving” Courts) address specialized needs and the underlying issues that cause people to become justice involved. On this show, Justice Joanne Motoike provides background on the different courts that are part of the Collaborative system, including building the Youth Development Court (YDC). Margarita shares her journey through YDC and Project Kinship programs, and what she’s working towards for her future. Madeline Rodriguez and Jessica Vasquez explain Project Kinship’s involvement with Collaborative Courts and how they support youth like Margarita.

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