Chris Yancy is the Executive Director of JIFF, a faith-based organization in Memphis focused on supporting youth impacted by the juvenile justice system. With a commitment to restorative justice, Chris leads initiatives that combine mentorship, education, workforce readiness, and community partnerships to help young people thrive. Under his leadership, JIFF has built strong coalitions with schools, churches, corporations, and service providers, earning recognition for innovative collaborations such as the award-winning partnership with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Chris is passionate about empowering youth and strengthening the community through collaboration, equity, and intentional programming.
JIFF (Juvenile Intervention & Faith-Based Follow-Up) is a Memphis-based faith-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system. JIFF provides mentorship, education support, workforce readiness programs, and therapeutic services while partnering with schools, community organizations, and corporations. The organization emphasizes restorative justice, community engagement, and evidence-based programming, helping young people build skills, resilience, and pathways to long-term success.
Q: What do you see as JIFF’s unique contribution to the space of juvenile justice advocacy in your community?
JIFF’s unique contribution is our ability to bridge faith, community, and systems in a way that is both relational and results-driven. We create safe, supportive environments for youth impacted by the juvenile justice system while collaborating with schools, courts, and service providers to address root causes and remove barriers to long-term success.
As a faith-based organization, we are grounded in restoration, dignity, and second chances. We pair that foundation with practical programming such as mentorship, education support, workforce readiness, and life-skills development. A strong example of our collaborative approach is our partnership with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, which provides art therapy experiences for some of our youth. This partnership was recently recognized as “Partnership of the Year” at the National Mentoring Awards presented by the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation—an affirmation of how creative, cross-sector collaboration can produce meaningful outcomes for young people.
Q: JIFF has a wide array of partners, spanning corporations, community organizations, and churches. What do you look for when establishing these partnerships and why?
We look for partners who share a commitment to youth development, equity, and long-term impact. Alignment in mission and values is essential, along with transparency and accountability to the community.
We prioritize partners who bring complementary strengths—whether resources, expertise, funding, volunteers, or access to opportunity. Our most successful partnerships are built on trust, clear communication, and a shared vision for improving outcomes for youth rather than short-term or transactional goals.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to an organization just beginning engagement in juvenile justice advocacy?
Do not be complacent—there is always room to improve and deepen your impact. Juvenile justice advocacy requires continuous learning, intentional staff training, and a commitment to being a strong community partner.
Organizations should listen closely to those directly impacted, stay informed about system and policy changes, and build collaborative relationships early. Sustainable impact comes from humility, accountability, and a long-term commitment to the young people and families you serve.