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Gang Prevention and Intervention Initiative |
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The problem of gang violence in Los Angeles is not a new one. But it is an issue that continues to plague Southern California communities. It’s estimated that there are more than 700 active gangs in Los Angeles, with a combined gang population of more than 40,000. And as the numbers continue to increase, so does the violence.
As a result of these troubling and continuing levels of gang violence, the Weingart Foundation’s Board approved the implementation of the Gang Prevention and Intervention Initiative in 2003. The purpose of the Initiative is to amplify the Foundation’s impact on the numerous issues that contribute to and stem from youth in gangs.
To accomplish this goal, the Foundation focused its efforts on supporting the programs of community agencies whose efforts consistently target gang prevention and intervention. These included credible, established nonprofit agencies and organizations with a proven track record of delivering specifically designed, high-quality prevention and/or intervention programs.
Projects have been funded that enhance effectiveness and build organizational capacity through strengthening staff and building infrastructure, as well as efforts that reinforce and expand programs with demonstrated effectiveness in not only reducing gang activity, but also preventing gang involvement.
Additionally, the Foundation has sponsored regular convenings in which grantees and experts in the field dialogue about effective programming and the latest thinking on how to address pertinent gang issues. These convenings have provided an opportunity for participants to learn about each other’s efforts, share best practices and discuss new program ideas, such as implementing program evaluation strategies.
*Photo courtesy of Taller San Jose
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