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Atlanta mentors tackle youth violence
Atlanta community leaders are prioritizing mentorship and safe recreational spaces to provide teenagers with positive alternatives to the recent cycle of city violence.
ATLANTA - Atlanta community leaders and non-profits are stepping up to offer alternatives for local youth after a violent weekend left one teenager dead and others injured.
Safe havens open during spring break
What we know:
Organizations across the city are highlighting solutions to keep teens out of trouble. The Atlanta Police Foundation's At Promise Center is currently hosting the Hope Meets Promise teen conference, specifically timed to coincide with Atlanta Public Schools’ spring break. The program serves youth between the ages of 12 and 18, offering them daily activities and a therapeutic environment.
"It’s very much needed. It’s therapeutic. Having to come up here everyday, doing different activities," said 11th grader Daejah Nichols. Jasmine Carter with the Atlanta Police Foundation noted that the event "gives them something super positive to do in lieu of what happened over the weekend."
What we don't know:
While programs are expanding, it is unclear how many additional teens have sought out these services specifically because of the weekend violence. Police have not yet announced any arrests or identified suspects in the shooting that took place at Piedmont Park.
SEE ALSO:
- FULL VIDEO | Atlanta mayor addresses wave of weekend violence
- Security concerns rise after Piedmont Park teen shooting
- Family of teen killed at Piedmont Park pleads for justice
- 3-year-old Armani Lyons shot, killed while parent was at work on Easter Sunday
- Metro Atlanta violence leads to chess-based push for peace
What they're saying:
Community mentors are emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. Dr. Travis Barber, who leads the non-profit mentoring organization 1 Mo’ Question, uses his personal history to reach young men.
"One shooting. One death is too many," Dr. Barber said. "Our youth need guidance. They need guidance. I’ve experienced prison. I’ve been shot. Prison saved my life. Prison saved my life. I give them guidance. I give them hope. I give them a village, a family. My organization is the buffer. My organization is the equity that these kids are missing. One size doesn’t fit all. When I go into the schools and communities, it’s an Al a carte services. Everyone's needs are different."
What you can do:
Families looking for resources or teenagers seeking a safe place during spring break can find more information about these organizations online. You can visit the Atlanta Police Foundation or 1 Mo’ Question to learn about enrollment and mentoring opportunities.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 5 field reports, interviews with the Atlanta Police Foundation and 1 Mo' Question, and local crime scene observations.