NEXT GEN NOW – Loving the youth of NYC!

“Cities are the centers of influence. Water runs downhill, and the highest hills in America are the great cities. If we can stir them, we shall stir the whole country.” DL MOODY

THE BIG IDEA

NEXT GEN NOW seeks to provide underprivileged youth & young adults with an awareness of the opportunities beyond their current circumstances. We take young people on a journey to recognize how much of an impact they can make in the world thru our 4 pillars: education, entrepreneurship, mental health, and volunteerism.

Juan Martinez III graduated from Evangel University with a Bachelors in Church Leadership and embarked on a journey mentoring and influencing teenagers from all over the country. His first steps towards this journey were taken back in junior high when he accepted an invitation by a friend to attend an easter play at church that resulted in his personal decision to be a Christian. That decision started a ripple effect in his family and shortly after, his brothers and his parents’ lives were impacted as well. Years later, like many teenagers, he got involved in unhealthy social settings that negatively affected his school life and his family life. His life was spiraling downhill due to his rebellion and destructive habits such as drug use, drug dealing, hanging out with gangs, that led him to barely making it thru high school. After a reawakening, he turned to his parents, teachers, and local leaders who then became the positive voices in his life that influenced and mentored him to begin the process of restoration that led him to be successful in his studies, his personal life, and eventual career path. Because of the impact that a caring adult had on Juan’s life, he wants to be the same for young people all over the country.

 

Juan met his beautiful wife, Katelynn, while in college and now have three amazing children who are the center of their world. Malachi, Elliani, and Zoe are energetic, love to travel, always are found playing outside, and would love it if they did not have a bedtime! He enjoys eating at new restaurants with his wife, and watching his kids play and have fun! Juan and Katelynn have impacted young people all over America such as California, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Connecticut, Masachusetts and New York to name a few. Juan has launched and been the director of multiple Youth Conferences that have reached thousands of students. He has been a motivational speaker in public school’s, private schools, local sports teams, and is a sought after speaker for youth events, retreats, & camps! One of Juans greatest memories was when he partnered with mentor and hero; Anthony Munoz. Anthony was arguably one of the best offensive Lineman in NFL history and is the only Cincinnati Bengal player and first Hispanic to make it in the NFL Hall of Fame. Anthony invited Juan to speak to under-resourced students in Cincinnati at the Anthony Munoz Foundation Hispanic Character Camp! Let us know if NEXT GEN NOW can partner with you or your organization!

WHO WE ARE

COMMUNITY

At NEXT GEN NOW, our heart is for ALL people. We believe Heaven is full of people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and social economic statuses. We make no apologies for building and investing in a healthy diverse community because we believe in the God-given dignity and significance of every individual. At the heart of the problems in our cities are individuals whose lives have been impacted by poverty, violence and marginalization. Young people are the point.

COLLABORATION

At NEXT GEN NOW, we believe collaboration is key! We collaborate with neighborhood leaders, local businesses, other non profits, individuals and organizations who are working effectively to bring positive change to communities. The time is now to partner because we believe we are better together!

COMMUNICATION

“Distance creates distortion and you bridge the gap thru communication.” There is so much going on in our world that could bring so much distortion to our communities in our city. We have a message to tell and we are unashamed to let people know the good news. The good news is that where ever I have been, and whatever has happened to me is not and does not have to be what comes next in my future. We are committed to communicating this message of hope to the next generation and give them the tools they need to be advocates of change.

HOW WE DO IT

OUR NOW PILLARS

EDUCATION

We believe that every young person could use a caring adult to move them forward in their life. Mentorship, role models, and education are necessary to create the skills and imagination for a new generation of leaders committed to thriving communities.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The time to start something is now! We inspire young people to use their passions and creativity to launch new ideas, businesses, organizations, and programs…NOW!

MENTAL HEALTH

If someone is sick, the only way to get better is to be intentional about it. We want to be a part of the process of seeing young people healthy in every area of their life. Right now, suicide, suicide attempts, anxiety and depression are at an alarming rate in youth and young adults. Mental Health is a big priority for us as we are committed to giving the next generation the tools they need to get better so they can do better

VOLUNTEERISM

If you’re too big to volunteer then you are too small to lead. We believe the greatest leadership is service to others. Every leader is a servant first. Every role is different but they are all important. If you ain’t helping, you ain’t helping!