About Us - Developing Youth Inc.

Founded in 2005, Developing Youth Inc. has made a significant impact on the youth within our surrounding communities. We appreciative the support from our members and volunteers. The core value of our work lies in the continuous passion and dedication of the various projects we contribute in. Our work has only allows us to make a change within our community.... it also allows us to plant positive seeds in our youth of the future.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to empower, educate, and prepare our youth to elevate their standards in every facet of life. This goal is achieved through a combination of impactful events, and dedicated mentorship. Emphasizing the pillars of education and personal responsibility, our organization is committed to fostering a culture of continuous growth. 

We prioritize providing empowerment, ensuring safety, fostering team-building, and cultivating social-emotional development skills among our participants. Through these initiatives, we aim to instill a sense of resilience and capability in the youth we serve, enabling them to navigate life with confidence and purpose.”

Meet Our Founder/President

Daren Jackson is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Developing Youth Inc. Daren was born in Chicago, Illinois. He later moved to Milwaukee, WI, Daren went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

 Daren has always had a passion for youth development and dedicated time to serving the youth of Milwaukee. Mr. Jackson's deep-rooted desire to give back to the community played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today. For 18 years, Mr. Jackson has been a strong advocate of assisting in developing and mentoring the youth of Milwaukee. 

Daren was employed by St. Charles Youth and Family Service, and MPS. He then went on to open his first of many successful businesses in assisting families, mentoring youth, establishing group homes, etc. Mr. Jackson has been a catalyst for change and put his passion towards starting his nonprofit called Developing Youth Inc. 

Meet Our Executive Director

Vanessa Davis-Moore is a passionate business owner and entrepreneur. Vanessa currently serves as the Executive Director of Developing Youth Inc. With two decades of dedicated service to the youth through various programs as a childcare teacher, youth facilitator, and program coordinator for youth development through creative arts by a way of dance. 
Vanessa was a manager of Sista-Sista which is a collaboration of amazing talent of a youth dance which has been featured on The Word Network "Fresh Fire", The Chosen Vessel" on Time Warner Cable, several events and churches around the city of Milwaukee.