Why We Start Early: JLAM’s Semester Update + A Personal Reflection

This week, I had a powerful conversation with a friend visiting JLAM. He works with men’s groups, helping adults heal from what’s often called “the father wound” the emotional and psychological impact of an absent or disconnected father. It struck a deep chord. In the communities we serve, fatherlessness ranges from 50% to 80%.

Therefore, we believe and why we’ve built JLAM is that it’s better to begin early. We talked about how early intervention can prevent a lot of the emotional and behavioral challenges that emerge later. By the time a boy is 16 or 17, the trauma often runs deep, and the path forward becomes harder.

That’s why we’re working with boys at 11 and 12 before the streets, the gangs, or depression take root. A recent scientific study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry supports this approach. Researchers found that higher emotional neglect in childhood leads to increased depression at age 18. But there’s hope: strong peer support at age 15 significantly reduced depressive symptoms, regardless of early neglect.

It’s powerful confirmation of what we’re building, safe, supportive peer environments that can change a young person’s life trajectory.

A Semester of Growth

We’ve now completed our first semester of 2025, running programs every Tuesday and Thursday. We’re working with 10 boys and plan to expand to 20 later this year. Next year, our current cohort will advance into Year 2 of the curriculum, and we’ll welcome 20 new boys into Year 1.

We also partnered with Medellín Joven, a division of the Secretaría de Juventud in the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, and the non-profit SAL y LUZ, to bring our workshops into six schools, serving nearly 200 youth across the city.

Some of those youth may join JLAM in the future. And then there was that unforgettable moment—when the boys started cheering and asking if they could come more days each week. When 12-year-old boys want to come to something that’s not required, you know something special is happening.

What’s Next?

Next week is the last week of school before their one-month break. We’re planning a mix of sports, games, fitness, and some baking and cooking classes to keep the connection and momentum going.

Thanks to many of you, our donor base is growing, and that helps make these programs possible. But as we grow, we’re still in need of monthly supporters to help cover transportation, snacks, and supplies. If you haven’t yet, would you consider joining us?

DONATE

We’re building more than a program. We’re building strong boys who will grow into strong men. Thank you for believing in that vision.

With gratitude,

Scott Impola Founder,

Junior Leadership Academy Medellín