Jermain Henderson is a Des Moines, Iowa native and proud graduate of Hoover High School where he lettered in track and swimming.  While competing on the swim team, Jermain discovered what would become a life-long passion to serve youth in various capacities. 

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Jermain has 25 continuous years’ experience working with Des Moines area youth and families. He started his career teaching swim lessons, coaching a swim team, and lifeguarding at the Riverfront YMCA. In 1999 he transferred to the John R. Grubb YMCA to be the Aquatic Coordinator and was promoted to Program Director where he was responsible for running summer camp, after-school and community programming.

In 2004 Jermain was recruited to help start the Minority Youth and Family Initiative at Orchard Place/PACE Juvenile Center, addressing disproportionate minority contact within the Department of Human Services. He also served as a Juvenile Court School liaison working to prevent youth from being placed in detention through diversion programming.

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In 2010 Jermain transitioned to Polk County Juvenile Detention as a Youth Services Worker.  He facilitates programming that equips youth with tools and resources they can use to avoid recidivating.  He also serves on the African American Case Review Team, working with community partners and Juvenile Court Services to help provide alternatives to detention for African American youth. 

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When Jermain isn’t working in the criminal justice arena with youth and their families, he is working with his family at Henderson’s Highland Park Funeral Home providing burial services to grieving families.

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In addition to his professional activities, Jermain has been a Prince Hall Mason for over 20 years, having served as Worshipful Master of North Star Lodge #2 and Grand Senior Warden of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Iowa. He has also served as Potentate of Zeid Temple #90 – Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, Inc.

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Most importantly, Jermain is the proud father of 3 amazing children.