After years in prison, a Meridian man is working to prevent youth from making the same mistakes he made years ago.

At fifteen, Marcus Blakney spent time in a training school. At seventeen, he served time in prison for selling drugs and just years later he was sentenced to twelve years for selling marijuana.

Blakney is now out of jail. He spends his time working and reconnecting with family members. His biggest goal is sharing his story with kids.

"I talk to kids about choices and decisions because my decisions led me to prison and these days in times its important we tell kids that there choices and I think it's important we let them know there choices will affect them." said Blakney.

Blakney says its important that parents tell their children how much they love them because he says there are drug dealers and gang members who will show children the wrong kind of attention.