Las Vegas alliance connects young men to housing and job training
A 2017 coalition of the city, county, and school district now pairs participants with mentors and resources.
By Ethan Cooper ·
A young man in East Las Vegas credits a mentorship program with helping him stop cycling through jail.
Axel Cueva joined the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and Chicanos Por La Causa a few months ago after his probation officer recommended the services. He said the shift in his life has been noticeable. “I'm gonna be honest, my old self would hate my new self,” Cueva said. “I've changed into a better person.”
The Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance reorganized in 2017. The coalition includes the city of Las Vegas, Clark County, and the Clark County School District. It aims to provide guidance, resources, and opportunities for young men in the community.
Dezhon Pate, a member of the alliance, joined to find new growth opportunities. He wanted to avoid repeating past mistakes. “I ain't gonna, you know, keep repeating the same thing over and over,” Pate said. “So coming here, I knew it was gonna be more growth opportunities for me.”
Marcus Sherfield, the alliance director, grew up in East Las Vegas near Pecos Road and Washington Avenue. He said church, programs, and mentors helped him make critical decisions. “There were times in my life where I, whether crossroads or certain decisions, and if it wasn't for support, whether it was the church, different programs, mentors, I probably could have went a whole different direction,” Sherfield said.
The alliance partners with several community programs to connect participants with housing, education, and mental health resources. Cueva advised other young men in the Las Vegas Valley to seek out people who encourage work and conversation rather than just socializing. “Don't go to the friends that are gonna wanna take you go smoke, go drink, go party. Those are not friends,” Cueva said. “Go to some people that will lift you up, try to talk with you. Let's go do something. Let's go look for jobs.”
Sherfield is available for inquiries at 702-460-5697. The alliance also maintains a website for potential supporters and participants.
