Camden County Juvenile Detention Center hosted Hoops For Life basketball program for youth

On Friday, the Camden County Juvenile Detention Center hosted Hoops For Life, a nonprofit organization founded by former Harlem Wizards player, Jamel Thompson, that uses basketball and mentorship to engage young people and encourage positive choices. The event will feature a basketball game between youth at the facility and members of the Hoops for Life basketball team. Following the game, members of the team spoke with residents about the importance of education and self-discipline, while addressing the impacts of bullying, drugs, and peer pressure.

“Programs like Hoops for Life show our young people that there are people in their community who believe in them and want to see them succeed,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Juvenile Detention Center. “The basketball game is an important part of the experience, but the conversations that follow are what can stay with these young men long after the event is over. We are grateful to the Hoops for Life team for investing their time, energy and positive influence in our youth.”

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