Ages 4–12
Warm illustrations and simple activities about kindness, safe choices, and asking for help. Read-aloud guidance for ages 4–7 and discussion activities for ages 8–12.
8 pages · PDF
Free download — Ages 4–12 ↓Clarksdale • Coahoma County • Mississippi
Bringing our community together.
From Clarksdale Day FallFest to Christmas celebrations, we create moments of connection—and carry that care forward through youth programs, mentorship, and support for local families.
Explore our community events ↗Donate to CYLF
Different paths.One community.
CONNECTION • OPPORTUNITY • LEADERSHIP
400+Backpacks provided
500+Free back-to-school haircuts
1,200+Kids fed free meals
Free educational resources
Consequences: The Dave Houston Jr. Story
For educational purposes only — free for schools, churches and juvenile institutions.
Free editions for ages 4–12 and 13–21. Two age-specific editions about choices, accountability, hope, and building a better future. Download, print, and share the complete pamphlets for educational use. No payment or registration required.
Ages 13–21
Dave Houston Jr.'s fuller story of consequences, faith, rebuilding, and service, with discussion questions, a practical pause tool, and a personal action plan.
12 pages · PDF
Free download — Ages 13–21 ↓Print on US Letter paper. For a folded booklet, select your PDF reader's booklet printing option. Contact CYLF about group discussions or mentoring.
Community celebrations
Four celebrations. One hometown spirit.
Celebrating Clarksdale, supporting local businesses, and bringing families together.
Clarksdale Day FallFest
A celebration of hometown pride, music, local food, and family connection. Come Back Home.
Our 2026 celebration took place September 25–27. Contact CYLF about future events and partnerships.
FoodieFest
A place to spotlight food trucks, pop-ups, and the flavors of our community. Local businesses and entrepreneurs help make the celebration our own.
FoodieFest Christmas Edition
Bringing the FoodieFest spirit into the holiday season, with local food vendors, businesses, and community connection.
Ask about attending or participating →Christmas Extravaganza
A holiday celebration centered on children and families, with toys, hot chocolate, cookies, and Christmas memories.
Ask about event details or supporting kids →FallFest photos · FoodieFest photos · FoodieFest Christmas flyer · Christmas Extravaganza flyer & photos
Clarksdale Day FallFest
Come Back Home.
Music, neighbors, and hometown pride—moments from our community celebration.
FoodieFest
Local food. Hometown flavor.
Food trucks, pop-ups, and community favorites brought the flavor to our celebration.
FoodieFest Christmas Edition
Holiday flavor. Community cheer.
December 18, 2026 · Clarksdale Civic Auditorium. No vendor fees. Free to the community. Food trucks, pop-ups, and local businesses are invited. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Christmas Extravaganza
Christmas for our kids.
December 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM · Clarksdale Civic Auditorium. Toys while supplies last, hot chocolate and cookies, photos, and special guests Santa Claus and the Grinch. Sponsored by Walmart in Clarksdale.
Community Favorites Awards
Celebrating the people who make our hometown shine.
Our Community Favorites Awards show recognizes the people, businesses, and community contributors who help make Clarksdale special.
From local favorites to everyday leaders, this community celebration puts appreciation in the spotlight.
Ask about the awards
Moments from our community
People make the celebration.
Rooted here. Building forward.
A stronger future starts close to home.
Crossroads Youth Leadership Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Dave Houston Jr. to support youth and strengthen community connections in Clarksdale and Coahoma County.
Our work meets families in everyday places—from the barbershop to the school hallway—and connects young people with caring adults, useful resources, and opportunities to lead.
Community service highlights supplied by CYLF leadership.
Our work
Real support. Lasting connections.
Cut Out the Violence
Using the barbershop as a place for affordable haircuts, meaningful conversations, and connections that support violence prevention.
See the approach →Youth mentoring & seminars
Connecting young people with mentors and community professionals to explore decisions, business skills, and their future.
100 Men in the Hallways
Bringing positive adult presence and encouragement into school communities.
Hotdogs and Haircuts
Part of Cut Out the Violence
Free haircuts, school supplies, and community care to help children prepare for school.
Meals & back-to-school drives
Helping meet everyday needs through school supply drives and free meals for kids during school breaks.
Clarksdale Day & Sunday Funday
Celebrating our hometown and creating spaces for families and neighbors to come together.
Cut Out the Violence
A haircut can open a conversation.
Our approach is simple: CUT → CONVERSATION → CONNECTION. A welcoming chair becomes an opportunity to listen, encourage, and connect.
Affordable & donated haircuts
Donated free haircuts help people who cannot cover the cost. Contact us to request help or sponsor a haircut.
Hotdogs and Haircuts
Our community outreach combines free haircuts, food, and school supplies under the Cut Out the Violence program.
$10 haircuts for people who cannot afford regular haircut prices.
Call to book: 662-302-1787You can also contact Dave Houston on Facebook to arrange an appointment.
01 — Cut
Accessible haircuts that bring people through the door.
02 — Conversation
A chance to be heard and receive encouragement.
03 — Connection
Building relationships that extend beyond the chair.
Give to our community
Your gift helps our youth thrive.
Support Crossroads Youth Leadership Foundation and the work we do for young people and families in Clarksdale and Coahoma County.
Donations help support youth mentoring, Cut Out the Violence, backpacks and school supplies, meals for children, and our four hometown celebrations: Clarksdale Day FallFest, FoodieFest, FoodieFest Christmas Edition, and Christmas Extravaganza.
Our commitment to transparency
We are committed to sharing updates about how donated funds are used, what we purchase, and the activities and services we provide for youth and our community.
Arrange a donation by emailCall to donateBuild with us
There’s a place for you
in this work.
Help put resources, mentorship, and community support within reach of more young people.
Become a sponsor
Discuss a partnership that fits your business and supports CYLF’s programs.
Talk about sponsorshipVolunteer your time
Share your skills, mentor a young person, or help at a community event.
Ask about volunteeringSupport a program
Contact us about donating supplies, meals, or financial support.
Discuss a contributionLet’s connect
Good work starts with a conversation.
crossroadsyouthleadership662@gmail.com
662-302-1787
Clarksdale, Mississippi
How can my business get involved?
Email or call to discuss sponsorship and program support. We’ll work with you to identify an appropriate opportunity.
How do I join a program?
Contact CYLF for current availability, event dates, and participation details. Haircut appointments can be arranged by phone or through Dave Houston on Facebook.