Programs & Services
Building pathways to possibility through innovative youth intervention and community enhancement programs
Ferome Brown — Programs & Community Impact
Leading transformative initiatives that bridge community needs with sustainable solutions
Blueprint Approved Institute — First Alumni
Ferome Brown is the first student and first alumni of the Blueprint Approved Institute (BAI). BAI provides leadership, entrepreneurship, and community-development training for emerging leaders.
Ferome's alumni status sets the standard for program participants and highlights his commitment to community service and leadership development. His journey through BAI demonstrates the transformative power of structured leadership training in creating community change-makers.
Mayor-Approved Contract
Ferome was the first individual to receive a city contract directly from Mayor Betsy Hodges of Minneapolis. This contract is ongoing and supports key city initiatives, showcasing Ferome's ability to lead projects and deliver results for the community.
His achievements demonstrate trust, reliability, and long-term impact in city programs. This groundbreaking partnership represents a new model of community-led governance and effective service delivery.
Minneapolis Vendor Support Program
Ferome has played a major role in supporting local vendors to secure contracts with the City of Minneapolis, strengthening the local business ecosystem and promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Identifying qualified vendors, particularly minority-owned and underrepresented businesses
- Guiding vendors through application, bidding, and onboarding processes
- Ensuring successful fulfillment of city contracts and projects
- Creating opportunities for economic growth in Minneapolis
Urban Youth Conservation (UYC) & Youth Empowerment
Ferome leads youth-focused initiatives under UYC to mentor, train, and empower young people in Minneapolis through comprehensive programs designed to provide constructive alternatives to violence and build leadership skills.
- Community service projects, picnics, and family engagement events
- Skill-building, leadership training, and employment pathways
- Educational support and mentorship programs
- Creating safe spaces for youth development and growth
Youth Group Violence Intervention (YGVI)
Hennepin County Attorney's Office Partnership
Urban Youth Conservation (UYC) is officially contracted with the Hennepin County Attorney's Office (HCAO) as part of the expanded Youth Group Violence Intervention (YGVI) Pilot Initiative. This program focuses on reducing youth-involved violence through direct engagement, mentorship, and community-based support.
Under this partnership, Ferome Brown plays a key role in helping youth who are at the highest risk of group-related violence. His work includes providing intervention, mentoring, and guidance to help youth choose safer paths while supporting Hennepin County and partner agencies in engagement strategies that interrupt violence before it occurs.
Ferome's leadership reflects UYC's longstanding commitment to violence prevention and community safety, and this YGVI partnership strengthens that impact across Minneapolis and Hennepin County.
Key Focus Areas
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Direct intervention and mentoring for at-risk youth
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Violence prevention strategies with county partners
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Family engagement and community relationship building
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Bridge between youth, law enforcement, and community resources
Violence Prevention & GVI / MinneapolUS Support
Ferome plays a major role in violence prevention approaches under the City's Group Violence Intervention (GVI) and MinneapolUS programs. His work aligns with Minneapolis's public-health approach to violence, addressing root causes and empowering communities.
- Mediating high-risk conflicts to prevent escalation and violence
- Engaging at-risk individuals and connecting them to supportive services
- Supporting evidence-based strategies for gang and group violence intervention
- Building community trust and fostering safer neighborhoods through proactive engagement
Why Ferome's Work Matters
Ferome combines leadership, community engagement, and strategic support to create lasting impact. His initiatives promote community-first programs, youth empowerment, economic opportunity, and public safety. By bridging community members, local vendors, and city programs, Ferome ensures programs are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.
Our Core Programs
Dedicated services designed to transform lives and communities
Mediation Between Gangs and Cliques
Urban Youth Conservation (UYC) serves on the front lines of violence prevention through direct gang and clique mediation. Operating Thursday through Sunday at identified hotspots across the Twin Cities, UYC staff maintain an active, visible presence within the community.
When tensions rise, UYC intervenes immediately facilitating "down talks" – structured and respectful conversations between opposing groups designed to de-escalate conflict, prevent retaliation, and restore peace. Staff remain on call for urgent mediation needs, allowing for rapid response and real-time intervention when violence threatens to erupt.
- Active presence Thursday through Sunday
- Immediate intervention with "down talks"
- 24/7 on-call staff for urgent mediation
- Street credibility and trust building
- Safe space creation for dialogue
Youth Intervention Program
The Intervention Program is built on a structured, proven curriculum developed by Urban Youth Conservation (UYC) to empower at-risk youth who are ready to make positive, lasting change in their lives.
Grounded in evidence-based practices and years of frontline experience, the curriculum guides youth through three powerful steps:
- Identify the Problem – Uncover root causes of challenges
- Create a Solution – Develop strategies and tools
- Design a Pathway to Success – Build personalized action plans
Through consistent mentorship, structured guidance, and community accountability, the program helps youth build the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to rise above obstacles and achieve lasting success.
City Recognizes Our Impact
"After Positive Results, Minneapolis looks to extend Anti-Violence Program. The success of the City's Group Violence Intervention strategy has prompted Mayor Jacob Frey to propose growing the program so that it can address gang violence in south Minneapolis."
- Featured on FOX 9 News Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Mayor Jacob Frey endorses program expansion
- City-wide recognition of our methodology
- Proposed growth to serve South Minneapolis
Our 3-Step Intervention Process
A structured approach to creating lasting positive change
Identify the Problem
Youth work one-on-one with UYC mentors to uncover root causes of challenges, including personal, social, and environmental factors.
Create a Solution
Collaborate to develop strategies and tools that break destructive cycles and promote personal responsibility and growth.
Design a Pathway to Success
Build personalized action plans focused on education, employment, and long-term stability for sustainable transformation.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join us in transforming lives and building stronger communities. Whether you're seeking help, want to volunteer, or support our mission, we're here for you.
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