Cities all across the country are launching programs and camps with the hope of keeping kids from committing crimes.Across the U.S. cities are reporting an increase of crimes by minors over the past year. The offenses include everything from carjacking and robbery, to gang involvement, and a well-known group of pastors in Memphis, Tennessee want to make a difference.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Memphis Chapter launched the Youth Violence Intervention Love Initiative this summer. The program focuses on giving kids a safe environment to learn social skills, leadership, and teamwork, instead of getting into trouble. "We have so much youth crime going on in our city, around the country." said President of the SCLC Memphis Chapter Rev. Walter Womack. For Pastor Womack, launching this program was personal.
"I’ve messed up before, and somebody gave me another chance. Somebody reached out to me ‘Hey, this is a better way, you can do it this way.’ That encouraging word from that individual inspired me. So we have to inspire these young kids." said Pastor Womack.