About us

Why YES

ShockTown’s YES Community Program, Inc. is a Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free youth prevention education, leadership development, and positive engagement.

Our story

Our history

YES was created after recurring concerns emerged through law enforcement responses to local schools and conversations with counselors, principals, teachers, school police, parents, and students.

Those conversations highlighted bullying, gang influence, unsafe situations, emotional and behavioral challenges, and early grooming and exploitation that could increase a young person’s vulnerability to human trafficking.

Drawing on more than 20 years of law enforcement experience and more than 20 years of involvement in sports leagues and youth activities, Founder Scholen Charles developed YES to bring prevention education, positive engagement, leadership development, and structured activities together.

The goal was clear: help young people recognize risks earlier, make safer decisions, and reduce opportunities to become victims of crime, exploitation, or other harmful influences.

Young player ready to kick
Kids and coaches on the field
Trophies and medals for the award ceremony
0+years of law enforcement experience

Our mission

To empower youth through prevention education, leadership development, and positive engagement.

Equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to make safer, more responsible decisions.

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The need

The challenge

Young people may face pressure, unsafe situations, and harmful influences before they have the experience or confidence to recognize what is happening.

Early, age-appropriate guidance can help them identify warning signs and know when to seek support. Positive role models and supportive relationships help youth build confidence, ask for help, and stay connected to positive opportunities.

Gym set up for a youth event

Our response

How YES helps

YES brings prevention education, leadership development, and positive engagement together through interactive learning and structured activities. Youth can ask questions, practice skills, and connect what they learn to decisions at school, at home, and in their communities.

Prevention education

  • Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention
  • Bullying Prevention
  • Substance Abuse Prevention
  • Gang Prevention
  • Personal Safety & Situational Awareness

Leadership & life skills

  • Leadership
  • Teamwork & Communication
  • Responsible Decision-Making
  • Sportsmanship & Respect

Sports activities and interactive learning give youth practical opportunities to participate, build confidence, and practice what they learn.

Coach working with a young player
Community partners at a YES event

Our vision

A safer, brighter tomorrow

We envision communities where young people are informed, supported, and better prepared to recognize risks and make positive choices.

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Kids, families and officers together at a YES event

Board of directors

The people behind YES

Leaders in law enforcement, education and business. Tap a card to read more.

Our partners

Stronger together

ShockTown’s YES Community Program is grateful for the organizations, schools, and community leaders who help create positive opportunities for youth.

Northwest Assistance Ministries
Aldine ISD Police Department — Ruben A. Salazar Together We Can
East Aldine District
Worsham Elementary
Next Level Behavioral Health
Evolution Fitness and Wellness
La Real Michoacana Paleteria

Read our bylaws & policies

Scholen Charles

Founder & Executive Director · ShockTown's YES Community Program, Inc.

Scholen Charles is the Founder and Executive Director of ShockTown’s YES Community Program, Inc., a nonprofit youth program focused on prevention education, safety awareness, and leadership development. Through the YES Community Program, Charles combines his experience in law enforcement, crime prevention, community engagement, and youth programming to help young people develop the knowledge and skills to make safer, more responsible decisions. Sports activities and other structured activities are used as engagement tools to reinforce teamwork, confidence, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Charles has served with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office since 2014 and currently works in community-oriented policing. His law enforcement experience includes detention, patrol, crisis intervention, homeless outreach, community engagement, and crime prevention. He is also the creator of the HCSO Community HUB Program, which he developed through the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to strengthen community engagement and crime prevention efforts. His work has included educating and connecting with youth, residents, community organizations, and law enforcement personnel on public safety and crime prevention topics.

Charles is a TCOLE Certified Instructor and Certified Crime Prevention Specialist with training and experience in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Crime Free Multi-Housing. He is also a member of the Texas Crime Prevention Association and the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network.

Through the YES Community Program, Charles brings his law enforcement and prevention experience directly into youth programming. The program provides age-appropriate education on human trafficking, bullying, substance abuse, and gang prevention while developing leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and responsible decision-making skills.

His work is guided by a straightforward prevention philosophy:

Prevention Education Today Reduces Opportunities for Future Crime and Victimization.

Education & Credentials

  • Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
  • TCOLE Certified Instructor
  • Certified Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
  • Crime Free Multi-Housing

Professional Affiliations

  • Texas Crime Prevention Association
  • Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network
  • Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Shirvonti Guidry-Keller

Board Member · ShockTown's YES Community Program, Inc.

Shirvonti Guidry-Keller is a dedicated leader with over a decade of experience in community engagement, law enforcement, and youth program management. She brings a dynamic skill set in leadership, training, and project execution that aligns with ShockTown’s mission to empower youth and build stronger communities.

Currently serving as the GEMS Program Manager at Cherish Our Children, Shirvonti has successfully expanded the program to impact more schools and students, managing operations, staff training, and family outreach initiatives. Her leadership has driven measurable growth, doubling program participation and fostering meaningful community partnerships.

Previously, Shirvonti served as a Harris County Deputy Sheriff, where she excelled in community policing, crime prevention, and program development. Notably, she co-founded the Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP) unit, crafting its mission, training programs, and operational strategies. She is also a certified TCOLE instructor, delivering courses in community policing, interpersonal communication, and effective public speaking.

Shirvonti’s experience in organizing events like Sheriff’s Safety Forums and school outreach initiatives demonstrates her passion for education, empowerment, and safety. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and develop actionable solutions makes her an invaluable asset to our board.

Education & Certifications

  • Graduate, Leadership and Development Institute
  • TCOLE Licensed and TCOLE Instructor Licensed
  • Certified in Public and Motivational Speaking

Core Skills

  • Program Development & Expansion
  • Training & Staff Development
  • Community Engagement & Outreach
  • Strategic Planning & Execution

Kevin M. Martinez

Board Member · ShockTown's YES Community Program, Inc.

Kevin M. Martinez is a seasoned educator, engagement specialist, and retired law enforcement officer with over a decade of experience in public safety, community outreach, and program development. His passion for building safer, stronger communities aligns perfectly with ShockTown’s YES Community Program’s mission to empower youth through education and engagement.

Currently serving as the Manager of Law Enforcement Partnerships for MovementForward, Inc., Kevin oversees a national network of officers and community leaders to foster positive police-community relations. He has coordinated events in 10 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, while also creating and teaching community-focused training programs across the country.

During his tenure with Brookhaven Police Department, Kevin demonstrated leadership in managing community programs such as Faith & Blue and Citizen’s Police Academy, while also designing and implementing training programs on de-escalation, case law, and tactical concepts. His innovative Defensive Tactics program earned him the 2019 Meritorious Service Award, and his commitment to community engagement was recognized with the 2021 Chief’s Award.

Education & Certifications

  • AAS in Criminal Justice, Eastern Gateway Community College
  • Crime Prevention Practitioner and CPTED Practitioner (certified since 2015)
  • Georgia POST Advanced LEO, Supervisor, and Instructor Certifications
  • TASER Master Instructor (Axon Enterprise, 2022)

Core Skills

  • Program Development & Expansion
  • Training & Staff Development
  • Community Engagement & Outreach
  • Strategic Planning & Execution

Jason Iken

Board Member · ShockTown's YES Community Program, Inc.

Jason Iken brings over 22 years of engineering and operational leadership experience to ShockTown’s YES Community Program. As a Professional Engineer (TX #90181), he has demonstrated expertise in program execution, operational management, and construction oversight. His career highlights include managing budgets of up to $370M and leading teams of over 700 employees within the City of Houston’s Wastewater Operations Branch.

Jason is a proven entrepreneur, owning and operating diverse businesses, including Evolution Fitness and Wellness, where he excels in finance, client care, and system automation. His common-sense approach to problem-solving and ability to balance daily operations with long-term vision make him a valuable asset to our organization.

Jason is also a seasoned public speaker, having presented at numerous conferences and civic events, including those sponsored by the University of Houston, the Water Environment Association of Texas, and the Buffalo Preservation Association. His technical expertise and leadership skills align with our mission to empower youth and build strong, resilient communities.

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, South Dakota State University (1995)
  • Incident Command System (Levels 100–800)
  • CPR / First Aid / AED
  • Superior Customer Service and Performance Management Training

Professional Affiliations

  • Water Environment Federation
  • American Public Works Association
  • Texas Associations of Wastewater Agencies