The Custom Boyz Inc Youth Corner

If we can save just one person… Job well done!!!

We are boots to the ground in communities, mentoring the youth and helping others reduce harm in their live, one person at a time!

The Custom Boyz Inc

Breaking Chains

Youth Corner: Empowering Tampa Bay Through Mentorship

At The Custom Boyz Inc., & Harm Reduction Anonymous, we're dedicated to empowering the young people of Tampa Bay and its surrounding areas. We're proud to announce our partnership with Jefferson High School to bring our comprehensive mentoring program directly to students.

Our program offers a structured harm reduction approach, designed to guide youth away from dangerous paths and toward brighter futures. We believe in proactive support, equipping students with the tools and guidance they need to make positive choices and navigate life's challenges.

Why Harm Reduction Works: A Data-Driven Approach

Harm reduction is not about condoning risky behaviors, but about meeting young people where they are and providing practical, evidence-based strategies to minimize negative outcomes. This approach is particularly critical given the challenges facing youth today:

• Reducing Risky Behaviors: Studies consistently show that youth mentorship programs, which are a core component of our harm reduction approach, are highly effective in preventing negative outcomes. Mentored youth are less likely to engage in criminal activity, substance use, and truancy. The presence of a trusted adult role model significantly decreases maladaptive behaviors, with longer mentoring relationships leading to more pronounced positive effects. Research indicates:

  • Mentoring programs can lead to statistically significant declines in rates of rearrest and number of arrests for a two-year period following program participation, especially for serious felony offenses.

  • Youth who participate in mentorship programs report improved relationships, higher self-confidence, and a reduced likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, contributing to safer communities.

  • Naturally occurring mentoring relationships in school settings have shown a protective indirect influence on various risk behaviors, including substance use and violence, by fostering school attachment.

Understanding that support is needed around the clock, we also provide a confidential 24/7 crisis line. Our dedicated team is available anytime, day or night, to offer immediate assistance and a listening ear. This is crucial as:

• Crisis hotlines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline have seen a significant increase in contacts, with nearly 10.8 million calls, texts, and chats received since its launch in July 2022. This demonstrates the critical need for accessible crisis support.

• Surveys indicate that a significant percentage of adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (40%), seriously considering suicide (20%), and making a suicide plan (16%) in the past year. Crisis lines provide an essential first point of contact for many seeking mental health services, with research suggesting they lead to increased safety for individuals in crisis (e.g., 80% of callers reporting the call halted a suicide attempt).

By combining proactive mentorship with immediate crisis support, our Youth Corner program offers a holistic and impactful approach to guiding the youth of Tampa Bay away from the horrors that await down the wrong paths and towards a future of health, safety, and success.

Rooted in Tampa, Florida, The Custom Boyz Inc. family is a collective of resilient survivors brought together by a shared mission: to serve those in need.

Founded in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, this movement was sparked by extraordinary individuals who grew up with a deep love for people & cars. Fueled by a desire to inspire, uplift, and make a difference, we set out to reach people through the powerful and universal language of car culture.

We’ve grown into a passionate team committed to delivering real stories, meaningful connections, and up-to-date information on everything automotive, while helping to save one human at a time!

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The Custom Boyz Programs:

“Supporting the growth and well-being of at-risk youth in our community.”

We provide a 24-hour crisis hotline at 877-826-4385 for youth in need. Compassionate team members are always available to offer support and connect callers with the resources they need — no matter the situation.

Our Mentorship Program supports inner-city youth throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond. In partnership with Jefferson High School, we host weekly on-campus sessions focused on empowerment, building self-esteem, and helping students pursue their dreams with confidence and direction.


“Healing and Support for Women and Children Survivors of Abuse”

We offer a 24-hour hotline for women in crisis, where compassionate team members are ready to listen and provide support, guidance, and vital resources for any situation.

Led by a team of strong, experienced women, many of whom are survivors themselves, we are committed to raising awareness and offering essential resources, including clothing, financial assistance, and emotional support, to help women rebuild and thrive.

“Lifting Up Homeless Veterans with Support, Not Charity”

We offer a 24-hour hotline for homeless veterans in crisis. Our compassionate team is always available to listen and provide support, connecting veterans with the resources they need, no matter the circumstances.

We are dedicated to helping anyone homeless, in distress, or feels like they don’t have a voice, because we remember what that feels like. You’re not alone, and your voice matters!

The CustomBoyz: More Than Custom Cars — Here for Our Community

Our Community: Boots to the Ground Approach

At the heart of our mission is a deeply committed, "boots to the ground" approach to community well-being. We understand that real support happens at the local level, through direct engagement and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and heard. This is vividly demonstrated through our Harm Reduction Anonymous meetings. These gatherings are more than just meetings; they are vital, safe, and non-judgmental spaces where individuals can openly share their experiences and journeys toward reducing harm in their lives, one day, one step, at a time. The emphasis is on compassion, understanding, and empowering personal progress.

Our program was born from a recognition of a critical need within existing support systems. While deeply respecting and drawing inspiration from the powerful 12-step teachings of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, we identified a gap. We realized that for some individuals, a different, more inclusive pathway to well-being was essential – one that prioritized immediate safety and incremental positive change. Our Harm Reduction Anonymous meetings are designed to fill that void, ensuring that no one is left without a supportive community, regardless of their specific goals or stage of their journey.

Looking ahead, we are fueled by an ambitious yet achievable vision: the establishment of a dedicated harm reduction center right here in the Tampa community. This center will serve as a beacon of hope and a comprehensive hub for resources. Imagine a welcoming place where individuals can access vital educational materials, workshops, and direct services, all designed to empower them with knowledge and tools for safer, healthier lives. We are incredibly proud to partner with leading organizations like Credit Control and A Market Resource to bring this vision to life. Their expertise will be instrumental in developing robust educational programs, potentially covering topics such as financial literacy for stability and practical life skills, alongside crucial health and harm reduction information. This collaborative effort will allow us to provide a holistic support system that addresses not only immediate harm but also the underlying factors that contribute to it, fostering long-term resilience and well-being for all members of our community.

The Custom Boyz Inc