Through relationship-building and trust earned, not forced, Bring Back the Village helps youth and families in Albany + the Capital District take the next right step. Scroll to see how we work with youth, caregivers, and agencies.
youth advocacy & support
Support that meets high-risk youth where they are.
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Introductory Call
We meet with the parent/guardian and youth to talk through what’s been going on and what’s getting in the way at home, school, and in the community.
Set the Plan in Motion
If it’s a fit, we’ll discuss how Bring the Village can best support your youth, then confirm the schedule and details so we can start strong.
Build Trust + Do the Work
We focus on rapport first, then mentoring, coping skills, and consistent support. We track progress and challenges along the way so we can adjust what’s needed.
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Connect to Support + Positive Outlets
If your child needs professional mental health services, We will help connect you to trusted community resources. We also find positive, fun activities that spark real interest and keep them engaged.
Catch Them Doing Good
We look for the wins and we name them, because every step forward matters. When goals are met like better grades or improved behavior, we celebrate them to show our youth that progress brings something real.
Marvin is originally from Harlem and was raised in Brooklyn. He served in the military and worked with the New York City Police Department, including as a first responder during the September 11 attacks.
After relocating to upstate New York, he dedicated his career to supporting youth and families through roles in juvenile justice and corrections, including work with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He also taught criminal justice at a local college in Albany.
With more than 20 years of experience working with young people, he founded Bring Back the Village, LLC to provide relationship-based support for youth who are navigating life stressors, challenging behaviors, and high-risk situations.
Meet the Founder of Bring Back the Village
Marvin Breedlove, M.S. Criminal justice
parent
Misty y.
He definitely helped me out a lot and turned him in the right path. Marvin did everything in his possible will to get my son narrow and he did just that! I would highly recommend Marvin on his journey for youth for sure. He was there via text, phone etc. anytime of the day, he was there. He was amazing!
"I had the best experience with Marvin, he was amazing with my teenage son!"
former youth client
He has seen the ugly and the good of the system. He has helped lead many youths and adults on the right path. He was a great mentor and worker for me while I was in care.
"Mr. Marvin can help! If anyone is more qualified to help youth, he is!"
fulton county dss
It is a very difficult and thankless job. Marvin's time with the boys had an impact. The insights and resources he provided were helpful. The recognition of the problem in the county and the time he gave to them is greatly appreciated.
"Marvin, thank you for your expertise and work with our very difficult youth. I appreciate the guidance and mentorship you gave to them."
Commissioner solar & director diana cameron
Marvin, you were one of the first names that came to mind as I took a position as a Director over various youth services programs. Your skillset, level of commitment, you meeting youth where they are while making a huge impact was always noticed. I also saw how youth with the most difficult challenges always allowed you to work with them over everyone else. That was so amazing to see. You must have some super power. I appreciated your unwavering support, commitment and resilience with our youth, keep striving as you cultivate and impact our youth for a better future.
"Your skillset, level of commitment, you meeting youth where they are while making a huge impact was always noticed."
director lashawn b.
Breedlove was an incredible officer during our NYPD days. He showed great courage and will during the evacuation of Murray Begtruam H.S. during the 9/11 attacks. Breedlove cared about the students and ensured their safety and calmed their nerves during the worst attack in NYC history. Breedlove ran upstairs where most of disabled students had classes when the attacks happened and carried them downstairs. Tired, sirens going off and EMTs all over, Breedlove did the job with courage and toughness. Even though you're in upstate NY, you will always be NYPD in my book.
"Breedlove cared about the students and ensured their safety and calmed their nerves during the worst attack in NYC history."
sergeant williams
In 2018 I had a DV case and Mr. Breedlove was my Caseworker assigned to me and my family. My husband was a cop and he was very abusive towards me and my daughter. Marvin was not moved nor intimidated by my husband and he contacted me only in private areas to ensure my safety. Because of this man, (Breedlove) I now have high self esteem and my daughter does not live in fear anymore. He was a wonderful CPS caseworker and he changed my negative views about men and CPS workers.
"Because of this man, (Breedlove) I now have high self esteem and my daughter does not live in fear anymore."
Mr. Marvin was my staff at Wyantskill detention when I was 15. I was physically abused [as a child]. I didn't trust anyone and I was very hateful. Mr. Marvin would take all the girls to the movies, mall and outings. He would tell us that we matter and he listened to us. As a young girl who had been trafficked, I wasn't used to being treated nicely. Mr. Marvin was my guardian angel, at age 30, I am now married, I have 2 children, a nursing career and received counseling for my past trauma. I owe this to Mr. Marvin for being in my life when I was a youth.
