Charles Price Discusses Felons Aint Failures Program and Youth Mental Health on Florida Matters

Charles Price discusses his program Felons Aint Failures on WUSF, focusing on Tampa Bay youth mental health and educational support.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 6:58 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from WUSF

The Mission of Felons Aint Failures

Charles Price appeared on the Florida Matters Live and Local podcast to share the foundational goals of his community outreach program, Felons Aint Failures. Price, who draws from his own lived experiences, designed the initiative to provide a roadmap for young individuals who may feel sidelined by the education system or early legal challenges. The program operates on the premise that a criminal record or past mistakes do not define a person's future potential. By offering consistent mentorship, Price aims to break the cycle of recidivism before it begins, focusing heavily on the transitional years of late childhood and adolescence.

Addressing Youth Mental Health in Tampa Bay

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the current mental health crisis affecting Florida’s youth. Price highlighted that many behaviors characterized as delinquency are often symptoms of unaddressed trauma or psychological distress. Felons Aint Failures integrates mental health awareness into its educational curriculum, encouraging participants to seek help and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Host Matthew Peddie explored how these fascets connect the community, noting that the program’s success often hinges on its ability to make young people feel seen and heard rather than simply policed.

Educational Support and Community Integration

The program provides more than just emotional support; it offers tangible educational resources to help participants stay in school or pursue vocational training. Price emphasized that academic failure is a leading indicator for future involvement in the justice system. By partnering with local schools and community leaders, Felons Aint Failures helps bridge the gap between struggling students and the resources they need to succeed. The podcast highlighted the program's role in the broader Tampa Bay social safety net, illustrating how localized efforts can mitigate statewide trends in juvenile crime and dropout rates.