Our Story
Built From the Community, For the Community
The Catch Mentorship was founded on one simple belief — every young person deserves a guide, a champion, and a second chance.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
At The Catch Mentorship, our mission is to empower and equip transition-age youth as they forge their path into adulthood. Through a holistic, trauma-informed approach, we provide mental health support including therapeutic and peer group services, employment navigation, mentorship, and practical life skills development. Our experienced counselors, educators, social service professionals, and community partners create safe, inclusive spaces where every young person feels valued and supported while building resilience, confidence, independence, and a foundation for lasting success.
Our Vision
A Future Where No Youth Is Left Behind
We envision a world where every young person — regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance — has access to the mentorship and resources they need to thrive.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Compassion
We lead with empathy, meeting every young person with grace and understanding.
Accountability
We hold ourselves and our youth to high standards — because we believe in their potential.
Community
We are stronger together. Every mentor, volunteer, and donor is part of our ecosystem.
Excellence
We pursue excellence in everything we do — from our programs to our relationships.
Our Journey
Where We Are — And Where We Are Going
The Vision
The Catch Is Born
A vision was established to create a mentorship program that equips our youth with guidance, character, life skills, and opportunities to rise.
The Foundation
Building the Program
We are developing the curriculum, mentorship structure, partnerships, and resources needed to provide meaningful support and opportunities for our youth. Our belief is rooted in Matthew 4:19
The Launch
Our First Mentorship Cohort
The Catch will begin welcoming our youth into a structured mentorship experience focused on personal growth, goal setting, leadership, fitness, faith, work ethic, and purpose.
The Future
Creating Pathways for Our Youth
Our vision is to grow The Catch Mentorship Program into a lasting community resource, connecting our youth with mentors, education, entrepreneurship, and positive opportunities.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Mission
Johnnie Brooks
Founder & Executive Director
From experience to purpose.
Johnnie Brooks knows firsthand what it means to grow up without stability, guidance, or someone to turn to. As an at-risk youth, he experienced placement in receiving homes, abuse in foster care, and years of his childhood lost to detention centers. He knows the pain of a broken home. He knows what it feels like not to know who to trust, where to turn, or where to find the resources needed to move forward.
But those experiences did not define his future. They shaped his purpose. Today, Johnnie is committed to being the person he once needed. Through The Catch Mentorship Program, he works to bridge the gap between young people and the guidance, resources, opportunities, and support that can change the direction of a life.
His mission is simple: to help young people see a different path—and give them the tools and support to pursue it.
John Jacobs
Vice President
John Jacobs brings a lifetime of service and leadership to his role as Vice President of The Catch Mentorship Program. A retired federal employee of the U.S. Department of Labor, John spent his career advocating for workforce development and the well-being of working Americans. Beyond his professional life, John served as a pastor, shepherding a congregation and providing spiritual guidance, counsel, and community to those in need. Throughout both callings, one thread has remained constant — a deep, unwavering commitment to mentorship. Over many years, John has poured into the lives of young adults and adults alike, walking alongside them through challenges, transitions, and growth. He brings that same heart to The Catch, helping shape an organization built on the belief that no one should have to navigate life alone.
Staci Brooks, MSW, ACSW
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Staci Brooks is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the field of social services for over 30 years. She has provided support, guidance, and mentorship to children, teens, and young adults who have experienced physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, separation and loss, and addiction. Utilizing evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, she doesn't just help young people cope — but thrive — while working towards mastering the skills needed to live a life filled with purpose. Working collaboratively with youth, she provides a supportive space that fosters resiliency and empowerment, guiding them towards improved management of mental health symptoms and meaningful, transformative change.
Join Us in Building a Better Tomorrow
Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word — every action moves us closer to a world where no youth is left behind.