John Harrison, CEO of Community Mediation Services, and Ahmed Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement and Mediation with Queensbridge Houses, join "In Focus" to discuss the not-for-profit organizations' programs for youth and families encountering life’s obstacles.

Since 1983, Community Mediation Services has unified communities facing conflicts by providing services and innovative solutions. Programs include specialized education and court diversion, among other services.

CMS also has a youth justice program that serves as an alternative to incarceration for young people between the ages of 13 to 24. Harrison talks about how the program tackles disparities in youth incarceration, particularly among African American children.

Rodriguez discusses community engagement and mediation and how CMS is helping students develop life skills, strengthen relationships and achieve positive outcomes. He also talks about some of the issues they're working to resolve within public housing and their academic programs that work to improve attendance and dropout prevention.