Introduction to Champions Journeys
For two days, a group of North Texas teenagers involved with the justice system stepped away from court dates, case files and supervision meetings to take part in something different: structured conversations about goals, accountability and what comes next.
The event, hosted by Champions Journeys in partnership with Justice System Partners and the Dallas Mavericks, brought together teens for activities aimed at personal development and community connection.
Participants attended a Mavericks basketball game Thursday night as part of a group experience, which included pregame discussions focused on accountability and goal-setting, to create community and meet each other, said its organizer, Dieter Cantu, an associate with Justice System Partners.
Justice System Partners and its president, Brian Lovins, built the Coach-Referee Model for Change to focus on replacing punishment with opportunity. Participants are people ages 17 to 24 who are under probation supervision in Tarrant County.
Christine Vo / Staff Photographer
Program Details
On Friday, the program continued at a community site in Oak Cliff, where youths participated in leadership sessions, mentorship conversations and interactive activities.
Former Maverick and four-time All-Star Rolando Blackman and community leaders were part of a panel discussion about trust and goals.
Cantu said the initiative was designed to provide young people with structured opportunities to reflect on their experiences, connect with mentors and consider future goals.
Adrian Alvarado, 22, said in an interview with The Dallas Morning News that he was amazed by the program. He never thought he would be able to attend a Mavericks game as part of a community group. “It felt random, but in a good way,” Alvarado said.
Participant Adrian Alvarado (with glasses), 22, listened during Coach-Referee Model for Change as part of the Champions Journeys, in partnership with Justice System Partners and the Dallas Mavericks, at For Oak Cliff in Dallas on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer
Alvarado told The News that his experience was positive and he wanted to change not just for himself but also to help others.
“I want to be able to help people the way people are helping me,” he said. “This program shows there are good things out there.”
Justice System Partners and Champions Journeys
Justice System Partners works with juvenile and adult justice systems across Texas and nationally, focusing on alternatives to punishment-based approaches. The Champions Journeys initiative partners with community organizations to provide mentorship opportunities for youths involved in the justice system.
Basketball in the Community
One of the Mavericks’ areas of focus is criminal justice reform, said Sean Reed, director of corporate social responsibility for the team. He described the effort as “showing up for the community and letting people know there is life after involvement with the justice system.”
