Detours Mentoring Group Inc.

Detours Mentoring Group, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the empowerment of at-risk youth in the Los Angeles community. The organization guides and encourages the youth to make positive life choices that will benefit and maximize their personal potential. Detours is committed to being a pillar in the community by actively engaging with youth ages 11-18 and connecting them with resources for education and career planning.  

Detours is on a mission to instill a strong sense of life and an expectation to thrive in at-risk youth from underserved communities. We provide a culturally affirming space that offers educational resources, support services, employment assistance, and community engagement opportunities. Our resources extend from computer labs, to court-ordered community services and food donations to ensure community members have access to the tools necessary for them to succeed. 

Our Executive Director, Ben "Taco" Owens, is an Ordained Minister who began peace work in 1992. He collaborates with former and active gang members, victims of crime, clergy, community members and law enforcement to resolve community conflict and gang induced violence. Owens works alongside the City of Los Angeles' Gang Reduction Youth Development program, Advocates for Peace and Urban Unity, Southern California Cease Fire Committee, and the Urban Peace Institute to educate and train with community violence interventionists across the nation.