Overview / Services Include

Overview

 I founded Ladyz Girlz Advocacy Services Corporation in May 2021; my mission was to mentor local children. My own kids often invited their friends over, and many parents dropped their kids off at my house, creating a sense of community. However, everything changed on September 24, 2023, when my son was tragically killed at a gas station while simply being an innocent bystander. He passed away later that night in the hospital, leaving an immeasurable void in our lives.

I still remember the gas station attendant showing us the horrifying footage of the incident. My son had just exited the store, spotted an acquaintance he hadn’t seen in a while, and engaged in conversation. Just moments later, a car pulled up and opened fire at the person he was speaking to, and my son was struck in the head.

The anger and heartbreak I feel are directed not at the young men who pulled the trigger, but at a juvenile justice system that is failing our children. Three young men, aged 17 to 20, took my son’s life. All three were repeat offenders; one had just been released and was on probation. This tragedy underscores a critical truth: these young individuals are lacking the structure and accountability they desperately need. It is time for change.

I am determined to take action by starting a juvenile reentry program that will foster better communication and oversight among the courts, families, and schools. Together, we can create a safer environment for our kids and hold our systems accountable for the futures of our youth.

Ladyz Girls Advocacy  Services 

Re-entry program for our At-risk Youth 

Our Services Include

Assessment and Intake: Conduct initial assessments to identify each youth's anger triggers, behavioral needs, court involvement, strengths, and individualized service goals.
Anger Management Education: Provide structured anger management classes that teach emotional regulation, conflict resolution, self-control, and healthy coping strategies.
Court Case Management: Assist youth with court compliance, probation requirements, referrals, goal tracking, advocacy, and coordination with community partners.
Counseling Services: Provide individual and group counseling focused on anger management, emotional wellness, behavioral change, and trauma-informed support. (By referral when clinically indicated.)
Education Planning: Assist youth with educational planning, GED preparation, school re-enrollment, attendance support, and connections to educational resources.
Family Engagement and Mediation: Involve families through mediation, family meetings, counseling referrals, and support services that strengthen communication and reduce conflict.
Community Resource Referrals: Connect youth with behavioral health, substance use treatment, housing, healthcare, and other community resources based on individual needs. (By referral.)
Life Skills Development: Conduct workshops on communication, emotional regulation, decision-making, problem-solving, financial literacy, personal responsibility, and independent living skills.
Mentoring and Positive Youth Development: Pair youth with trained mentors who provide guidance, accountability, positive role modeling, and encouragement toward personal growth and successful community reintegration.
Career Readiness and Job Placement: Provide workforce readiness training, resume development, interview preparation, job placement assistance, and connections to vocational opportunities to promote long-term self-sufficiency.

Who Am I?

Hello, I am Juanita Weddington

Professional BiographySince March 2021, I have been committed to a transformative journey of higher education and professional development to better serve individuals, families, and communities. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Administration from Strayer University, graduating in 2023. During this time, I also pursued coursework at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) to strengthen my knowledge as a future Substance Use Counselor and completed a Nonprofit Management Certification through Catonsville Community College, further enhancing my ability to lead and develop impactful community-based organizations.My commitment to lifelong learning continues today. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Mental Health, expanding my clinical knowledge and leadership skills to better address the complex behavioral health needs of youth, adults, and families. This advanced education complements my experience in nonprofit leadership and reinforces my dedication to providing compassionate, evidence-based, and person-centered services.My passion for this work extends far beyond the classroom, it is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. As the mother of four children, I have faced firsthand the challenges that many families encounter. One of my sons lives with schizophrenia, another had ADHD, and his life was taken in 2023. I also supported my daughter through a traumatic experience during her adolescence. These experiences have strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy, and reinforced my belief that every individual deserves understanding, advocacy, and access to meaningful support.Throughout my life, I have naturally become a trusted source of guidance for family members, friends, and members of my community during times of crisis and uncertainty. Those experiences inspired me to dedicate my career to serving vulnerable populations, particularly at-risk youth and families facing behavioral health challenges.As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ladyz Girlz Advocacy Services Corporation, my mission is to create opportunities for youth and families to overcome adversity through advocacy, mentoring, anger management, mediation, behavioral health support, education, life skills development, and community partnerships. I firmly believe that no child should be defined or limited by the circumstances into which they were born. Every young person deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and build a successful future.My vision is to develop innovative, community-centered programs that strengthen families, reduce recidivism, improve emotional wellness, and empower individuals to become productive, confident members of society. Through continued education, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to service, I remain dedicated to creating lasting, positive change in the lives of those we serve.

Overview / Services Include

Overview

Ladyz Girls Advocacy Services

Our Services Include

Who Am I?

Hello, I am Juanita Weddington

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