What is Drive Change?
Drive Change firmly believes in its mantra: “WE DRIVE CHANGE THROUGH QUALITY EMPLOYMENT PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO FURTHER THEIR SOCIAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE POWER OF WORK.” This initiative is rooted in the harsh reality of the US having the highest rate of incarcerated people in the world. For decades, New York State was one of only two states prosecuting 16-year-olds as adults. As a result, young people exit the legal system facing immense barriers to employment and professional growth. Imprisonment leaves lifelong consequences, and statistics reveal that youth who have been incarcerated face a 70% chance of rearrest within just five years. It’s a complex, often disheartening situation that demands creative and compassionate solutions.
Main Benefit & Key Figures
- Highest incarceration rate globally mainly affecting the young.
- For decades, NYS was one of only two states prosecuting 16-year-olds as adults.
- Formerly incarcerated youth have a 70% chance of rearrest within 5 years.
- The US hospitality sector endures a 73.8% annual turnover rate for entry-level employees.
- Approximately 6% of employees in hospitality quit each month.
Challenges Within the Legal System
The American Legal System carries deep historical ties to the enslavement of Black and brown people and has long been designed to structurally oppress poor people of color. Until October 2018, automatic arrest and prosecution of 16-year-olds as adults was standard in New York. The reality is harsh: young people leaving the system are inadequately prepared for future challenges, encountering rugged obstacles in both employment and education. The chilling statistic remains—70% of those under 24 who are treated as adults in the legal framework will eventually return to prison. These facts paint a dismal picture that calls for robust discussion and immediate systemic overhaul… a necessary wake-up call for society.
A Call for Systemic Change
The Drive Change project stands out in its commitment to support formerly incarcerated young people by developing quality employment pathways geared towards ensuring their economic and emotional wellbeing. The drive is to not simply address the symptoms—but to alter the system itself. With a vision of reimagining the potential of the food and hospitality industry, this initiative challenges outdated approaches by calling on the hospitality sector to hire, train, and retain qualified youth in environments that are truly equitable and supportive. Education, training, and coaching play crucial roles here, especially through the Hospitality for Social Justice restaurant network which focuses on themes of identity, power, and privilege… a conversation that spreads beyond boardrooms into everyday communities.
Hospitality Industry & Youth Employment
The hospitality sector, despite its potential to offer opportunities for youth, remains a challenging environment. With an entry-level employee turnover rate sitting at an astonishing 73.8% annually and a 6% monthly quit rate, the industry’s high fluctuations underscore its instability. This scenario presents both a challenge and a call for transformative action. Drive Change spotlights these issues by challenging the industry to adopt practices that not only bring young people into the workforce but also provide ongoing support through comprehensive training and equitable, respectful workspaces. In doing so, opportunities for lasting and meaningful employment are redefined—proving that change, while gradual, is indeed achievable.
Community Engagement & Reform Initiatives
One of the central pillars of Drive Change lies in its commitment to addressing much larger systemic challenges that have plagued society for generations. The project highlights the need to rethink a criminal in-justice system that has historically marginalized and oppressed communities of color. By leveraging education and coaching that emphasizes the intertwined issues of identity, power, and privilege, the initiative brings systemic injustices to light and challenges long-held practices. This approach encourages fresh conversations that are both casual and dynamic… a necessary step in engaging communities and advocating for real, measurable change.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the long-term vision remains clear—ensuring that young people, particularly those who have experienced the collateral damage of an unforgiving justice system, are given the tools to succeed on both social and professional fronts. Although the bootstrapping nature of reentry presents significant hurdles, Drive Change’s approach to reimagining opportunities within the hospitality industry and beyond is a refreshing call to action. The drive to hire, train, and empower ex-incarcerated youth signals a broader momentum for confronting entrenched inequities. The project not only challenges outdated norms but also inspires conversations about the role that identity, power, and privilege play in shaping society. Touching every facet from systemic reforms in the legal arena to everyday practices in the workplace, this initiative carries a transformative impact that resonates through communities. Mailing Address: 630 Flushing Ave, Mailbox 25, Brooklyn, NY 11206. Social media connections with X, Instagram, Facebook, and Vimeo ensure that every step forward remains accountable and visible, keeping the momentum alive for a truly just future.
