In the heart of Montrose, a small team of mentors is creating big change—one young life at a time.
They’re all part of the Credible Messenger Program—a pilot initiative under Collective Action for Youth—helping transform the futures of young people ages 16 to 35 across our town and beyond.
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Michael Galloway, a Credible Messenger Liaison for Collective Action for Youth. He once lived the life many of his mentees are trying to escape, and is now part of a growing movement that centers real-world experience as a tool for youth intervention
“It’s imperative,” he said. “I find that it’s the most essential thing.”
He grew up with both parents in prison and found himself on the streets at an early age—selling drugs, committing robberies, and eventually, serving an eight-year prison sentence. One night, while on Galloway’s way to commit another crime, tragedy struck: he accidentally killed one of his best friends.
“That’s something I have to live with each and every day,” he said.
But behind bars, Galloway began to rewrite his story. He earned a degree, launched a business, and today, runs XCONS Fitness while raising six children of his own.
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Now, he’s guiding others to do the same.
“I want to be the person I didn’t have growing up,” he said. “I want to empower a young person to follow their dreams… they’re not subject to where they come from."
That philosophy is at the heart of Credible Messenger: the idea that lived experience can open doors that authority alone can’t. Mentors aren’t just advisers—they’re proof that change is possible.
Bradi Lewis, also of Collective Action for Youth, says the model works because it’s rooted in empathy.
“Be a pillar in giving them a platform to tell their stories fully,” she said. “And to change the narrative of how people view youth and young adults that have been through the criminal justice system.”
The program addresses immediate needs—like food, clothing, and job readiness—while building long-term trust.
“Things that are small to people who are blessed to have an abundance of these things are life essentials that our young people need to even succeed,” Lewis added.
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Willie Harris, Youth Justice Director at Collective Action for Youth also says he knows the impact firsthand.
“I was introduced to my mentor in high school, which single-handedly is the reason why I’m interviewing in front of you,” he shared, giving a shout-out to his lifelong mentor, Karen Calloway.
One success story he shared was of a young man named Shacory, who joined the program straight from prison.
“Not only has Shacory gotten out, gotten a job, he started to develop a relationship with his children again,” Harris said. “He’s on a successful path for years to come.”
These stories are more than inspirational—they’re transformational. For Galloway, the goal isn’t just to help someone get back on their feet, but to empower them to lead.
“I want you to dream,” he tells his mentees. “Talk to me as if money wasn’t an option, failure wasn’t an option. What would you do? Because we’re going to do that.”
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The ultimate goal? That today’s mentees become tomorrow’s mentors.
“Oh, that is the ultimate goal,” Galloway said.
From Montrose to the greater region, Collective Action for Youth and the Credible Messenger Program are proving that with guidance, understanding, and opportunity, every young person has the power to rewrite their story.
Learn more about the program by visiting their website.
