MILWAUKEE -- Some young teens who have already faced a judge are being shown a second chance.
The program, run through the Social Development Commission, has an 80% success rate.
About 60 boys each year go through the five-week program. They are taught money management skills, how to prepare for a career and even learn how to work at McDonald's. Getting into the Youth Employment Program at the Social Development Commission means they were off to a rough start.
"You might be looking at some minor thefts, you might be looking at some tickets for school or behavioral issues," said Tyrone McKee, Social Development Commission instructor.
Johnny Murphy shared how this program has him back on track for good.
"We learned some community skills, how to talk to people, how to work with people without letting our frustration get the best of us," he said.
Murphy says working at McDonald's is more than he though it could be.
"I get some cool customers actually," he said. "I have a conversation with them actually."
The owner of the McDonald's these boys learn and work in, Robert Pyles, enjoys giving these teens a second chance.
The U.S. Air Force veteran shares his success story with them:
"When I came in the first day crying to myself in the freezer like, 'What did I get myself into?' You gunna have those days. And you just suck it up and keep going," said Pyles. "If it was easy, everybody would do it. that's the reward in the end."
Pyles checks in with them often.
"You gotta be truthful with them and I tell them that I wanna see them be even bigger than I am," he said.
Along with food, Pyles also serves God as a pastor at Abundant Faith Church of Integrity. He believes all people are here looking to make a difference in life.
Murphy has advice for parents looking to connect with their child.
"Sometimes that's all the kid be missing is that love from their parent," he said.
The Social Development Commission also looks at other needs these teens may need. This includes mental, health or transportation issues.
There are dozens of other programs SDC offers. Click here to learn more.
