JENKINS SECURES $10,000 TO COMBAT GANG VIOLENCE IN YONKERS
County to Partner with Nepperhan Community Center for Anti-Violence Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17, 2007

Contact: Ken Jenkins, (914) 995-2829, Jenkins@westchesterlegislators.com

In a continuing effort to end youth violence, County Legislator Ken Jenkins (D – Yonkers) announced a $10,000 grant for the Nepperhan Community Center (NCC) for a new program that fosters youth development. The program is part of the “City of Yonkers Violence and Gang Prevention Coalition Initiative” which is intended to impart peaceful alternatives to violence to the City’s 20,000 youth and young adults.

The program will support the citywide anti-violence and gang prevention task force. Comprised of government officials, community and church leaders, law enforcement, public school officials, representatives from local business and civic associations and community residents, task force members will meet monthly to discuss and plan anti-violence and gang prevention initiatives. The group will publish the quarterly Youth Explosions which will focus on anti-violence messages. It will also provide information for parents, educators and youth service professionals on what things indicate a gang’s presence and what warning signs to look for in a child to determine involvement in a gang.

Jenkins spoke optimistically about the new endeavor. “Legislator Jose Alvarado and I are committed to working together to do all we can to prevent gang violence. These funds will assist in helping to provide education in alternatives to violence," said Jenkins.

The Coalition is set to communicate, above all, one clear message through street signs and t-shirts: “Stop the Violence, Choose Life.” Jenkins explained that this simple slogan is the core of this new campaign to stamp out unnecessary violence.