NEWPORT NEWS — Building Better Futures, the city’s youth and gang violence prevention initiative, will be holding two community engagement sessions on a strategic plan to prevent youth and gang violence.
The first one will be on July 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center. The second will be on Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Denbigh Community Center.
The city encourages residents to attend and provide input at those sessions – officials want to gather feedback and support from residents for the development of a strategic plan.
According to a news release from the city, the purpose of the strategic plan is to strengthen prevention and intervention efforts in the city as a means of reducing violence.
They city said participation by residents is vital to developing the plan.
During each session residents will discuss:
- How they are impacted by violence.
- The strengths of the community.
- Possible solutions to crime in their neighborhoods.
Building Better Futures currently runs two major programs – the Summer Training and Enrichment Program and Seeking Opportunities Within – along with other smaller programs throughout the year to help address youth and gang violence in the city.
To enhance and expand the current efforts, Building Better Futures hired a consultant to assist in creating the strategic plan.
For information, contact buildbetterfutures@nnva.gov or 757-933-2311.
