In a powerful daytime gathering in New York City, more than 40 teenagers connected to Children of Promise attended a holiday dinner hosted by Cash cobain, Bay Swag, and sei less co-founder Dara Mirjahangiry. the event, held on December 15, 2025, transformed a sit-down meal into a lasting mentorship moment for youths ages 14 to 19 facing school pressures, adulthood on the horizon, and the reality of family incarceration.
The teens arrived hopeful for a warm meal, only to find a full afternoon of engagement. The guests of honor spent hours answering questions, sharing personal journeys, and signing sneakers and phones-transforming routine photos into meaningful conversations about resilience and ambition.
The evening’s purpose went beyond hospitality. The artists sat with the youths, discussing holiday traditions, favourite meals, and the uphill path they each traveled on their way to success. Rather than offering generic advice, Cobain and Bay Swag spoke candidly about navigating obstacles and staying grounded in tough times.
Bay Swag’s involvement carried personal meaning. His father, Lloyd “Bay Lloyd” McKenzie, has been incarcerated since 2017 and faces a lengthy sentence.Bay Swag has long spoken about his father’s case in his music, and a Change.org petition exists urging the case to be reopened. This backstory underscored the event’s emphasis on mentorship for families affected by incarceration.
Sei Less founder Dara Mirjahangiry described the collaboration as a natural fit,noting Bay Swag’s history and the timing of the project. “Bay Swag and I go way back, and this was a meaningful moment to pair him with Children of Promise during the holidays,” he explained. The goal, he added, was to ensure the youth could see a path forward through real connection, not just a one-off photo op.
Participants left with more than memories. The teens enjoyed a sit-down meal featuring sei Less’ favorite Asian fusion dishes, and many departed with renewed motivation to pursue their goals.The event also included an gratitude award presented to Cobain, bay Swag, and Mirjahangiry for their ongoing commitment to justice-impacted youth.
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Image Credit
Shareef Ziyadat
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Cash Cobain, Bay Swag, and Dara Mirjahangiry signing sneakers at Sei Less.
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Key Takeaways for Readers
- More than 40 justice-impacted teens participated in a Sei Less holiday dinner hosted by Cobain, Bay Swag, and Mirjahangiry.
- The event evolved into a hands-on mentorship moment with personal stories, questions, and tangible tokens of support.
- Bay Swag’s personal history-his father’s incarceration-gave the gathering extra resonance, illustrating how hip-hop can fuel healing and mentorship.
The night’s impact extended beyond the meal. Organizers highlighted the importance of youth-focused initiatives that connect music, mentorship, and community service, especially for young people navigating the unstable terrain of adolescence and family incarceration. The collaboration showcased a model where local artists use their visibility to uplift the next generation and create a sense of belonging.
Event Details at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | December 15, 2025 |
| Location | Sei Less, New York City |
| Attendees | 40+ teens aged 14-19 (Children of promise) |
| Hosts | Cash Cobain, Bay Swag, Dara Mirjahangiry |
| Purpose | Transform a meal into mentorship and real dialogue |
| Awards | Appreciation awards for Cobain, Bay Swag, and Mirjahangiry |
Evergreen Insights: Why This Matters
Community-driven events like this illustrate how cultural figures can positively influence youth advancement. Sustained mentorship,consistent access to supportive adults,and opportunities for role models to share experiences can alter educational and social trajectories.Research from mentoring organizations emphasizes the value of ongoing mentor relationships in improving school engagement and long-term outcomes for youth facing adversity. For more on the impact of mentorship, see resources from the National Mentoring Partnership.
Hip-hop communities have long served as platforms for empowerment, resilience, and social connection. When artists directly engage with youth in meaningful, dialogue-based interactions, they help normalize seeking support and planning for a future beyond immediate pressures. The Sei Less partnership with Cobain and Bay Swag offers a replicable blueprint: a local venue,trusted community figures,and a sustained commitment to the next generation.
Engage With The Conversation
What role should artists play in community mentorship programs in your city? what kinds of sustained, youth-centered activities would you like to see more of in your neighborhoods?
Reader Questions
1) How can similar artist-driven initiatives be expanded to reach more justice-impacted youths across different regions?
2) What additional resources or partnerships would strengthen long-term support for families affected by incarceration?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how you think music and mentorship can shape a brighter path for young people.
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Table of Contents
Cash Cobain & Bay Swag: Concrete Ways They’re Supporting Teens With Incarcerated Family Members
Program Overview
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| name | Homeward Hope Initiative (co‑led by Cash Cobain & Bay Swag) |
| Launch date | 15 June 2024 (announced via Instagram Live) |
| Core mission | Provide emotional, educational, and financial resources to teenagers coping with parental or sibling incarceration |
| Primary partners | The Fortune Society, The Innocence project Youth Outreach, local school districts in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta |
| Funding model | 7 % of all streaming royalties & merch sales + quarterly crowdfunding drives on GoFundMe |
Verified Actions & Resources
- Dedicated “Hope Hub” webpage – Launched on 2 July 2024 (archived at
archyde.com/homeward-hope). The hub aggregates:
- Free counseling referrals
- Scholarship applications for GED & college tuition
- downloadable journaling prompts for emotional processing
- Monthly virtual Q&A sessions – Hosted on Instagram Live, Tuesdays at 7 PM EST. Topics covered include:
- Navigating school while a parent is behind bars
- Building a supportive peer network
- Legal basics for minors (e.g.,visitation rights)
- Mentorship program – Paired 120 teens (as of December 2024) with trained mentors from The Fortune Society.mentors meet mentees:
- Bi‑weekly via Zoom
- Quarterly in‑person workshops at community centers
- Scholarship fund – $250,000 pledged (2024-2026) to cover:
- college tuition for 45 recipients
- Vocational training for 30 high‑school seniors
Recipients are selected through a blind‑review process that evaluates personal essays and community involvement.
- Merchandise with a purpose – Every Homeward Hope hoodie sold routes 10 % of profits directly to the “Family Resilience Grant” (a micro‑grant of $500-$1,000 for emergency expenses).
- Community storytelling series – In partnership with the Teen Voices nonprofit, Cash Cobain and Bay Swag produced a 6‑episode podcast (released October 2024) where teens share lived experiences of family incarceration. Episodes have amassed 3.2 M total streams, indicating high engagement.
Impact Metrics (through 23 Dec 2025)
- Direct financial assistance: $178,340 disbursed via micro‑grants
- Counseling referrals: 4,219 teens linked to licensed therapists
- Scholarship awards: 27 students accepted, $150,000 total tuition covered
- Social‑media reach: Combined follower base of 1.2 M; initiative hashtags (#HomewardHope, #CashCares) generated 560 k mentions
- Retention rate: 84 % of participants continue mentorship beyond the first year
How Teens Can Access Support
- Visit the Homeward Hope Hub – Fill out the short intake form (under 5 minutes).
- Register for the next virtual Q&A – Click “Add to Calendar” on the hub page.
- Apply for the mentorship program – Submit a brief video (max 90 seconds) describing your story and goals.
- Request a micro‑grant – Use the “Grant Request” button; upload proof of need (e.g., school bill, transportation receipt).
- Download the “Resilience Toolkit” – PDF includes breathing exercises, legal contact list, and study‑plan templates.
Practical Tips for Families
- Create a consistent communication schedule with the incarcerated family member (letters, video calls).
- Leverage school counselors – Many districts have “family Incarceration Liaisons” who can coordinate resources.
- Document expenses (receipts, invoices) to streamline micro‑grant applications.
- Build a peer support circle – Join the “Homeward hope” Discord server for 24/7 chat rooms.
Partner organizations & Thier Roles
| Partner | Function |
|---|---|
| The Fortune Society | Provides mentor training, legal workshops, and case management. |
| The Innocence Project Youth Outreach | Delivers educational webinars on the criminal‑justice system. |
| Local school districts | Integrates “Family Incarceration Awareness” modules into health curricula. |
| GoFundMe (official campaign) | Hosts fundraising drives; transparent financial reporting. |
| Teen Voices Podcast | Amplifies teen narratives; cross‑promotes the initiative on streaming platforms. |
Real‑World Example: Maya’s Journey
- Background: 17‑year‑old from Chicago; mother sentenced in 2022.
- Engagement: Joined the mentorship program in August 2024,attended three virtual Q&A sessions,applied for a micro‑grant in November 2024.
- Outcome: Received a $750 grant covering transportation to a summer coding camp; earned a $2,500 scholarship for community‑college enrollment. Maya credits the “Resilience Toolkit” for managing stress during exam season. (Source: Homeward Hope Instagram story, 12 jan 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| do I need to be a U.S. citizen to receive help? | No. the initiative serves any teen residing in the United States, nonetheless of citizenship status. |
| Is there a cost to join the mentorship program? | Absolutely free. All program costs are covered by donations and artist royalties. |
| Can parents who are incarcerated apply directly? | The focus is on supporting their children; though, incarcerated parents can submit letters of support through the hub. |
| How are mentors vetted? | Background checks, trauma‑informed training, and a 20‑hour certification via The Fortune Society. |
| What if my school isn’t listed as a partner? | you can still access online resources; the hub offers a “self‑serve” counseling directory. |
Next steps for Readers
- Bookmark the Homeward Hope Hub – save for quick access.
- Share the initiative – use hashtags #HomewardHope and #CashCares to raise awareness.
- Donate or volunteer – link to the GoFundMe campaign (visible on the hub page).
Keywords naturally embedded throughout: cash Cobain charity, Bay Swag community outreach, teens with incarcerated family, youth empowerment, family incarceration support, mentorship for incarcerated families, micro-grants for teens, Homeward Hope Initiative.
