Neighborhood Violence Intervention

Safe Kids Make Safe Streets

Neighborhood Violence Intervention Initiative

Hard Outcomes: Reduce crime and gang-related violence. Keep youth safe and on-track to healthy, productive lives. In 2018 alone, this translated into connecting with more than 150 youth and deescalating 111 documented incidents.

Objectives: Encourage youth involvement in work readiness activities, academics or recreation. Respond realistically and holistically to the lure of gang life.

Approach: Place gang violence intervention specialists in South and East side neighborhoods where 14-24 year-olds stand at high risk of gang involvement. Specialists constructively mediate conflict and mentor and connect youth to positive opportunities.

Evidence: Research consistently finds that mentors and positive role models play a critical role in youth success. This is particularly true in low opportunity communities, where data indiciates fewer two-parent households.