Reducing Gangs and Youth Violence

Gangs and youth violence are significant problems in our community. Recent Star-Telegram articles (March 4-6, 2010) reported on gang shootings, one in a park and another near an area high school. A May 5, 2010 Mansfield New-Mirror article also highlighted the problem: “Gunshots fired April 19 in South Arlington were a loud and clear signal that gang violence is still a community concern.”

You might ask, “Why do youth join gangs or use violence to resolve conflict?” Experts tell us that gangs replace something that is missing in a youth’s life. The missing elements might include “attention,” “respect” or “love.” When they don’t get these things from caring adults (parents, coaches, school officials, church leaders or other positive role models), they find them from others who are less concerned about their well-being.

If we can help youth be successful in school, they invariably will be successful in other aspects of their lives. This, however, may be easier said than done. Working with high-risk youth requires a coordinated effort. They often need a continuum of services to ensure their success, which may include: mentoring, tutoring, conflict resolution skills, substance abuse education and intervention, child abuse prevention and intervention, parenting skills, medical and dental services, job training and placement, food, shelter and transportation to youth development programs and other needed services.

The YMCA of Arlington is proud to collaborate with the City of Arlington, the City of Mansfield, Tarrant County, Arlington ISD, Mansfield ISD, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Tarrant County, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Boys and Girls Clubs of Arlington, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County Juvenile Services and Arlington Alliance for Youth in the formation of Our Community, Our Kids, a collaboration whose purpose is to reduce gangs and youth violence and increase support for youth in our community.

If you want to make a difference in the life of a child, take time now to get involved with Our Community, Our Kids by contacting Cynthia Jensen at (817) 548-9595, or cynthia.jensen@unitedwaytarrant.org, or contact me at the Y. Our children need you! Will you answer their call for help?