When M.S. first came into the juvenile justice system, he was at a place in his life that many of his peers at Edgecombe Youth Development Center could relate to. He was behind in his education, running with a gang in his home community and on a collision course with the law that would change the trajectory of his life.
“When I first got here, I really wasn’t taking school seriously,” M.S. reflected. “But when I really sat down and realized what I wanted to do, and that I wanted to better my life and myself, I started taking school as seriously as I could.”
Today, that hard work is paying off. M.S. is on track to earn his high school diploma in December. Thanks to a connection made during the Edgecombe YDC College Fair on Oct. 28, a clear plan for his future is beginning to emerge.
When he leaves the YDC, M.S. will move into a transitional living home - a structured, supportive environment where he can learn the ropes of adulthood. He will also work part-time and start his post-secondary education.
Enter Delano Blaizes Jr., a reentry case manager for the Wayne County Reentry Council. Formerly a state correctional officer and probation officer, Blaizes now helps connect justice-involved youth and adults with educational opportunities and other community resources. Housed on the campus of Wayne Community College, the Wayne County Reentry Council is one of 20 state-funded entities across North Carolina designed to serve justice-involved people as they transition from incarceration back into the community.
“I want them to see that reentry meets them where they are,” Blaizes said. “We know that they made a mistake and are working on fixing what they’ve done. We’re trying to fill in the gaps. Some of them haven’t finished high school, so we’re trying to help them get their GEDs. If they want to do anything on campus – welding, HVAC, basic wiring – you name it, we’ve got it.”
It’s a formula that works – the Wayne County Reentry Council was this year recognized by the North Carolina Gang Investigator’s Association as the organization’s 2026 program of the year. For M.S., who wants to both pursue a trades certification, and use his own experience to help other youth avoid delinquency and gang involvement, a short, seven-minute conversation with Blaizes makes him excited for the future.
“It was amazing,” M.S. said. “I wish I could have had that interaction before I entered this institution. What we talked about motivated me. I want to go talk to the younger youth about what I’ve been through. Me being who I am, I want better for myself, and I want better for North Carolina. I want better for the younger generation that’s coming up.”
While M.S. made a strong connection with Blaizes, his peers had similar conversations with representatives from schools and organizations throughout the region. Attendees at the Edgecombe YDC College Fair included Edgecombe Community College; Nash Community College; Pitt Community College; Shaw University; Chowan University; Louisburg College; Vision Christian University; Vision Christian University; Medical Career Readiness of NC; NC Dental U; and Mitchell’s Hairstyling Academy. This year’s event fell within the College Foundation of North Carolina’s Free College Application Week, and that organization was on hand to help youth understand financial aid and the resources available to help them pay for school.
“One of the main purposes of this event is to expose our students to college pathways and the venues out there to help them turn things around,” explained Edgecombe YDC student Transition Coordinator Jesse Adams. “Exposure makes them aware that there is something outside of their circle, meaning that transformation can take place, regardless of where they’re at. It gives them something to reach for outside of themselves.”