Youth Justice Network
Omar Branch is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in case management and counseling, primarily focusing on non-custodial fathers and at-risk youth. Since December 2008, Omar has worked as a Senior Case Manager at Friends 2 Fathers, conducting group anger management classes and individual counseling. Concurrently, Omar serves as a Case Manager for Friends of Island Academy, where responsibilities include providing comprehensive case management, facilitating workshops on anger management and parenting skills, and addressing family needs through referrals and advocacy. Omar's background includes a Family Developmental Credential from Cornell University and a degree in Communications from Temple University, alongside various roles in youth prevention and community services since the late 1990s.
Youth Justice Network
Youth Justice Network was founded in 1990, at the alternative high school on Rikers Island, to address the disproportionate incarceration of young people of color and support them as they returned home. YJN’s mission is to break cycles of incarceration and build a more equitable justice system. For more than 30 years, YJN has supported young people whose lives intersect with NYC jails and justice systems by providing them with individualized advocacy, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, thrive, and lead.