Ariel Jimenez Bustos is the Coordinator for the National Compadres Network’s Joven Noble Youth Academy – A Forward Promise grantee. He is currently responsible for the hiring of youth who have completed probation and are affected by mental health and drug addiction to become peer mentors. The peer mentors then host/facilitate weekly circles for youth currently on probation. Mr. Jimenez also oversees the Joven Noble Youth Academy that involves three circles in three different communities; a four-stage rites of passage model and curriculum. Additionally, he is a coach for the Police Academy League and was responsible for negotiating youth participation in NCN’s Circle Keeper Process which involves culturally based activities to facilitate emotional, mental and spiritual health. Joven Noble Academy curriculum is used in programs nationally.
