What does it take to steer a child away from the justice system? For Demishia Owens, it took surviving her own childhood trauma to find the answer.

As a 20-year veteran Program Director at EAC Network, Demishia has helped divert thousands of Long Island youth from incarceration. In this raw episode, she reveals the strategies behind her programs' 90% success rate and shares the personal story—from kidnapping survivor to community leader—that fuels her work.

We dive deep into the realities of the foster care system, the "forgotten" teenage demographic, and why mentorship is the single most powerful tool for changing a life. Demishia also challenges parents to do their own work, explaining why "change can't occur without change."

Key Takeaways:

- Trauma to Triumph: Navigating life after kidnapping and assault.

- Mentorship 101: Why a simple text message can save a foster kid's life.

- Program Success: How AFY and Home Base keep kids out of jail.

- Parental Responsibility: The hard conversations parents need to have.

- Burnout Hacks: Strategies for staying healthy in high-stress careers.

- Community Action: How you can join the NY Teenage Toy Drive.

Whether you're a social worker, parent, or someone looking for purpose, this conversation offers a blueprint for making a real difference.

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🔗 Connect with Demishia Owens & EAC Network

Website: https://eac-network.org

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/demishia-owens-a7572034

Volunteer: https://eac-network.org/volunteer

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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About the Guest – Demishia Owens

Demishia Owens is a distinguished leader in youth advocacy and social services. As Program Director at EAC Network, she manages critical initiatives including Alternatives for Youth (AFY), Home Base, and Chance to Advance. With a Master’s in Human Services and decades of field experience, Demishia specializes in crisis intervention, foster care mentorship, and family support, earning recognition from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office for her community impact.

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Tags & Keywords

Demishia Owens, EAC Network, mentorship, foster youth support, juvenile diversion programs, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, social work burnout, trauma recovery, parenting teens, community leadership, Long Island charities, volunteer opportunities, PINS program, youth empowerment, breaking generational cycles, nonprofit management, emotional intelligence, crisis intervention, family therapy, social justice, advocacy.