The Credible Messenger Movement
Grow Up Grow Out Jr. will offer mentoring through Credible Messengers, helping youth develop and refine essential life skills for independent living while engaging them in their community’s public safety efforts.
Our Mission & Vision
Leading the Credible Messenger Movement
GUGO Jr. is built on the belief that youth and families need to be heard and understood. It recognizes that past choices should not be devalued but rather used as opportunities for growth. Through a non-violent, pro-social framework, GUGO teaches the importance of identifying needs and setting goals. With the guidance of Credible Messengers, youth and families develop critical self-reflection, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills, empowering them to build self-efficacy and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
Encourage young people.
Rehabilitating young lives.
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Antonio Fernandez
FOUNDER/ CEO
Antonio Fernandez, also known as King Tone, has indeed made a remarkable transformation from his past as the leader of the New York chapter of the A.L.K.Q.N. Through his organization, Grow Up Grow Out Junior (GUGO Jr.), he now focuses on community building and self-transformation. GUGO Jr. collaborates with various organizations and government agencies across sixteen states, with a particular emphasis on Washington DC, New Jersey, and New York City.
The GUGO Jr. model, “Safe Space for Power Groups,” has gained international recognition and has been implemented in Ecuador and Spain. Antonio has also been a keynote speaker worldwide, sharing his insights on the Three Laws of Innovation in places like the United Kingdom, Russia, Ireland, and England.
Clinton Lacey, president and CEO of the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3), partnered with Antonio Fernandez to launch the national model CM3. As the lead trainer, Antonio travels the country teaching the fundamentals of being a Credible Messenger. The team has graduated over a thousand Credible Messengers throughout the country.
GUGO Jr. aims to help young people find new paths towards social and personal growth. The organization employs Credible Messengers who share their life stories to inspire and empower youth and families to lead constructive lifestyles and reduce trauma. Antonio’s workshops for probation departments, schools, and communities are part of his broader mission to support youth and foster community development through Restorative Justice and Community Building Workshops.
It’s truly inspiring to see how Antonio has turned his life around and is now making a positive impact on others. If you have any specific questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
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Landon Starkey
Program Director
Landon’s journey in youth empowerment is truly inspiring. From his early days in New York City working with court-involved youth to his key roles in various youth-focused organizations, he’s shown a deep commitment to making a difference. His work with the Department of Juvenile Probation, the Exodus Transitional Program, and later with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) in Washington, DC, highlights his dedication to community organizing, youth engagement, and conflict resolution.
Landon’s drive to effect change led him to Grow Up Grow Out Junior (GUGO Jr.), where he quickly rose to the role of Program Director. Under his leadership, GUGO Jr. has become a crucial support system for court-involved youth, providing comprehensive engagement initiatives that benefit both families and communities.
His academic background, includes his achievements as an English major at Wiley University, where he made the Dean’s List, speaks to his commitment to excellence. His leadership as Captain of the Debate Team in the Melvin B. Tolson/Denzel Washington Forensics Society further underscores his dedication to advocacy and service.
Landon’s journey is a testament to the impact one individual can have on their community through passion, dedication, and leadership. What an exceptional example of youth empowerment!
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Diane Olguin Fernandez MSN, BSBA, RN
Business Operations Manager
Diane’s career trajectory is truly commendable! With over two decades of experience in Behavioral Health, Chemical Dependency, and Clinical Management, she has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on caring for young adults. As a Bilingual Registered Nurse, her ability to communicate effectively with our youth in both English and Spanish is a valuable asset, especially where cultural competence and language proficiency are crucial.
It’s inspiring to hear about Diane’s advocacy work. Being a diligent advocate for young adults means not only understanding their needs but also ensuring that their voices are heard, and their well-being is prioritized. Whether it’s coordinating staff education, liaising with physicians, or managing clinical operations, Diane’s commitment and dedication focuses on providing high-quality care. Diane’s advocacy reflects her deep empathy for young adult’s experiences and leaves no doubt about her priority to put our youth first.
As a Master’s Prepared Registered Nurse with a specialty in Management and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration; Diane’s background shares a common ground with Business Operations Management. All require leadership, adaptability, and a knack for problem-solving. Diane’s is proficient in blending clinical mastery with management finesse.
The Credible Messenger Movement
Shaping the lives of other through Lived Experience
By sharing their personal journeys, Credible Messengers serve as role models, showing that change is possible, and empowering those they mentor to make positive choices. The movement emphasizes the importance of community, emotional resilience, and self-reflection. It creates spaces for healing and growth, where youth and families can overcome past struggles, improve their decision-making, and ultimately break the cycle of adversity. Through this work, Credible Messengers help foster stronger, safer communities and brighter futures for those they serve.
The Credible Messengers movement is a transformative approach focused on supporting at-risk youth and families through mentorship from individuals who have lived through similar challenges. These mentors, known as Credible Messengers, bring a unique understanding and authenticity that helps build trust and create meaningful connections. They play a vital role in guiding young people and families through difficult situations, offering advice, support, and life skills drawn from their own experiences.
The Movement
1983
A Visionary Blessing: The Birth of "Credible Messenger"
Eddie Ellis granted Antonio "King Tone" Fernandez and Clinton Lacey the blessing to use the term "Credible Messenger" to work with the justice system. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of collaborations with nonprofits to reform systemic injustices.
2015
A New Chapter: Growth in Washington, D.C.
Antonio Fernandez moved to Washington, D.C., where he began a transformative chapter for the Credible Messenger Movement. He introduced the "What Love Looks Like" Curriculum, re-established the term Credible Messengers as a central focus of community services, and pioneered wraparound support systems to address the holistic needs of communities. During this time, Fernandez also established Grow Up Grow Out as a for-profit entity to further the movement's impact.
2018
Expanding the Reach: Credible Messengers in Prisons
Recognizing the need for Credible Messengers inside correctional facilities, Grow Up Grow Out began facilitating mentorship programs and workshops for incarcerated individuals, furthering their impact beyond community streets.
2021
A Global Movement: The Rise of CM3
The Credible Messenger Movement gained national and international recognition as a transformative model. Grow Up Grow Out and CM3 officially launched their initiatives across the United States and abroad, solidifying Credible Messengers as a global force for justice reform.
2012
The Beginning of Injustice: The School-to-Prison Pipeline
The School-to-Prison Pipeline began to take shape as prisons in New York's six boroughs became privatized, targeting poor and vulnerable populations to fill them.
2016
Credible Messengers in Action: Launching Arches
The Arches Program launched in New York State with Clinton Lacey as Commissioner and Antonio "King Tone" Fernandez leading the initiative. This program marked the formal integration of Credible Messengers into justice system reform efforts.
2019
National Recognition: The First Convening
The first National Credible Messenger Convening was held in Washington, D.C., and brought together over 1,000 Credible Messengers from across the country. This monumental event united stakeholders, advocates, and practitioners to advance the movement's vision, share best practices, and strengthen their collective impact.
Our Partners
