Straight Ahead Ministries

by | Jun 30, 2025 | Agencies

Agency Overview

Straight Ahead Ministries is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth involved in or at risk of entering the justice system. Through mentorship, re-entry support, job readiness training, and community partnerships, they guide teens and young adults toward successful, crime-free lives.

Main Office

791 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610

Website

www.straightahead.org

Grove Street Office

100 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605

Phone Number

(508) 753‑8700

Straight Ahead Ministries

791 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610

Straight Ahead Ministries

100 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605

Agency Services

Straight Ahead offers programs to help justice-involved youth reintegrate and build stable futures:

  • Youth re-entry coaching and mentoring
  • Job readiness training through the Straight2Work program
  • Support group discussions and life-skill workshops
  • Holiday and community events fostering positive engagement

 

Service Area

Straight Ahead serves youth and young adults throughout Worcester and nearby interior communities:

  • City of Worcester
  • Lincoln Square and Grove Street neighborhoods
  • Surrounding Worcester County towns

 

Target Population

The agency supports:

  • Teens and young adults (ages 14–24) recently released from detention or incarceration
  • Youth at risk of criminal justice involvement seeking mentorship and skill-building

 

Advertising / Community Visibility

Straight Ahead connects with the community through local presence and partnerships:

  • Referrals from juvenile justice, courts, and probation services
  • Outreach at community events and holiday gatherings
  • Visibility via local churches and nonprofit networks

 

Funding Sources

Straight Ahead’s operations are funded by a variety of sources:

  • Individual donations and community fundraising
  • Grants from foundations and local nonprofits
  • Faith-based support through churches and partner organizations

 

Agency Affiliations / Links

They collaborate with multiple local and regional groups:

  • Partnerships with churches across Massachusetts
  • Connections with juvenile justice, probation, and re-entry services
  • Aligned with the broader Straight Ahead Ministries national network

 

Agency Accessibility Info

Street parking available around both locations; accessible by WRTA bus routes

 Programs designed to include youth with diverse needs; facilities have street-level entry and accessible meeting spaces

Primarily English; interpretation support is arranged upon request

Most Significant / Surprising Fact

Straight Ahead Ministries operates year-round mentoring and re-entry programs (not just sporadic workshops) demonstrating a sustained commitment to helping youth fully reintegrate and avoid future justice involvement.

Career Opportunities

Training Required for Staff Positions

Staff are expected to complete mentorship training, youth development certification, and group facilitation training

Experience Required for Hiring of Staff

Preference for experience working with justice-involved youth, mentoring, or case management

Training Requirements / Opportunities for Staff

Ongoing leadership, youth engagement, and re-entry-focused professional development are provided

References