Raising the Youth (Department): A Q&A with Jason Holland and Edwin Paragas, ARC’s New Co-Directors of Youth Development Programs

A conversation with Jason Holland and Edwin Paragas about their journey from incarceration to working with youth, their vision for ARC, and how youth development creates new pathways for formerly incarcerated youth. 

Question: Why did you start working with youth?

Edwin: I still remember how it felt being incarcerated at age 12. So while I was inside state prison, I always felt like I needed to give back to the people I’d harmed. When I was released from state prison in 2019, I had the opportunity to work for Healing Dialogue and Action and got to work inside juvenile hall. Going back to juvenile hall has always been my passion because I remember that 12-year-old kid and what he needed. 

Jason: I was sentenced to life without parole at age 18. During my incarceration, I read a book that asked, “What would happen if you really tried to reach your potential?” I realized I’d never tried before. Once I started learning, growing, and unpacking things within myself, I began helping others around me. After the Governor commuted my sentence, I came home and wanted to work in the coaching space. I felt I had value to give people like my younger self.

Question: What are your approaches to working with youth?

Jason: Every young person operates from a mental map built from their experiences and beliefs. By introducing new ideas and experiences, we help them redraw that map. We can literally change how they see themselves and the world. Sometimes we’re just planting seeds that might not bloom for years.

Edwin: Exactly. People planted seeds in us while we were adults in prison, and that’s what helped us transform. Now we’re doing the same for youth.

Question: What is a Transition-Aged-Youth (TAY), and how does ARC provide services for this population?

Jason: These are youth aged 18-25 with a history of incarceration or arrest. They come to us for services to help navigate this period, build agency, and engage in prosocial behavior. Most come to us from connections made in juvenile halls. What sets ARC apart is our ability to provide continuous care, following youth both inside and outside the facilities.

Edwin: We work in juvenile halls and camps as credible messengers. A credible messenger is a mentor with lived experience who works inside a juvenile facility and supports youth. We provide wraparound services to support their transition back into the community. We provide therapy, education, vocational training, and employment support, alongside guidance from credible messengers.

Question: What does it mean to be able to help redirect youth away from the criminal justice system?

Edwin: It’s so powerful, the fact that, well, if we do this right, these kids don’t have to go to prison for 20 to 30 years. So that’s what’s most impactful for me, just like that’s why I’m so passionate, because I think that throughout these generations, these youth, if we can empower them to be leaders.

Jason: Somewhere there’s a youth who right now does not believe in their potential. They do not think they can be anything more than what they’ve seen. But if we have a chance to interact with them and make an impact, they could become someone who has a huge impact in the world, right, and change many lives. Having the opportunity to influence someone’s life positively is a real blessing, and it’s a privilege to be sitting in this chair. I was serving life without, and I never thought I’d have the opportunity to be here now. 

Question: How do you connect with young people?

Edwin: Showing up consistently, that’s what matters. Whether it’s at a court hearing or an event, we show up when they don’t expect us. That consistency breaks down their walls because they realize, “This person isn’t going to abandon me.”

Jason: My approach is to meet them where they are. I want to connect, talk, and really see them. And even when it’s hard or the results aren’t immediate, I keep engaging. Sometimes you have to have difficult conversations. They’re also teaching me how to work with them, it’s mutual growth.

Question: What excites you about being part of ARC and working with each other?

Jason: I’m excited about the opportunity to build a program from the ground up, create a model for others to follow, and contribute to the broader youth justice system. Edwin complements my gaps with his connections to youth and CBOs. Together, we have the synergy to lead effectively.

Edwin: I’m excited to work across departments to support youth and harness collective impact, connecting adult and youth populations in service. Jason is strategic and sees the big picture; I bring connectivity. Our partnership strengthens the program.

Question: Why is youth development crucial for formerly incarcerated youth?

Edwin: Many youths don’t believe in their potential. If we engage with them effectively, they can grow into leaders who positively impact their communities and future generations.

Jason: Every youth deserves a chance. Even those deeply entrenched in violence can transform when given consistent support, mentorship, and opportunities to envision a better life.