In this conversation, Amy Williams, known as the 'Hope Dealer', shares her journey from a biracial upbringing in Maine to working with gang-involved youth in Chicago. She discusses the challenges faced by these young people, the importance of hope, and the need for understanding and compassion in addressing their circumstances. Amy emphasizes that youth involved in gangs are not just statistics or projects, but individuals with their own stories and struggles. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, the impact of trauma, and the necessity of community support in fostering positive change.
Elliot Sands and Amy Williams discuss the importance of empowering communities through inclusion and understanding the roots of social issues. They emphasize the role of connectors in building relationships and the need for churches to engage in lasting community outreach rather than one-off events. Amy shares her personal experiences and challenges, highlighting the significance of finding joy amidst difficulties and the impact of consistent support in the lives of young people.
Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring. As a certified gang intervention specialist, she heard God's call to move into a Latino gang neighborhood in Chicago's Humboldt Park community to be a "Hope Dealer" doing street outreach and walking life with young people on her block. Amy is project coordinator at New Life Centers, bringing in restorative justice programming to youth at juvenile prisons. Amy has been a youth pastor, a reentry coordinator, and a youth mentor and advocate. She is a graduate of both University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and National Louis University. She resides in Chicago and loves salsa dancing and is a true beach baby.
Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast. The Live Faith First podcast explores bridging divides in society and in the church. In a world that is increasingly divided, we want to be a voice calling people back together. We encourage people to build relationships with people from across the aisle, street, or the table.
Enjoy this episode, and Let’s All Live Faith First!!!
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