Dozens were in Mount Vernon on Friday to listen to transformative experiences and empower young individuals to stay away from crime.

The panel discussion was called the Second Chance Summit. Speakers included people who were formerly incarcerated and Denim Jones, a teenager who was shot in Yonkers when he was 12 years old, leaving him partially paralyzed.

Panelists shared their stories to kids and teens about their experiences.

Jones told News 12 why it was important to him to share his story. "To make sure that they know that they're not alone and whatever they're going through and there's someone you could talk to," says Jones.

The goal was to inspire youth about personal growth, transformation and connect with resources. "I have a lot of young siblings and throughout my incarceration, I used to always wonder what they were doing out there, if they were following behind me, and it scared me. I don't want to see that," says Meshach Hewitt, of T.R.U.C.3 Inc.