Credible Messengers Program Connects Jersey City Youth With Mentors To Combat Violence – CBS New York
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — There’s a brand new initiative to fight youth violence in Jersey City.
It’s referred to as the Credible Messenger Program Hudson County, and neighborhood leaders say it’s wanted now greater than ever.
Not solely has violent crime elevated in Hudson County, prosecutors say the ages of the perpetrators are getting youthful and youthful. 13 and 14-year-olds are being charged with gun possession.
The Credible Messenger method connects youth who’re on probation with adults who’ve had similiar experiences once they have been younger.
The mentors do a deep dive into the lives of the contributors, constructing a robust relationship over the course of months to try to change their attitudes, beliefs and actions.
“Many instances, the credible messenger is the one one who that younger particular person can look to and consider in and may belief,” mentioned Clinton Lacey, director of the Credible Messengers Mentoring Motion.
The Hudson County Board of Commissioners will vote to approve the initiative’s $500,000 price range Thursday.
Commissioner Jerry Walker, a former Seton Corridor basketball participant, noticed this system’s success in different cities and believes it might work in his hometown of Jersey Metropolis.
“Too many youngsters are shedding their lives. We simply had a taking pictures proper down the road from this constructing final week, we needed to do a lockdown in my camp,” he mentioned. “It’s getting irritating.”
New York Metropolis credited this system with decreasing youth repeat offenses by 60%.
If authorised, the one-year pilot program will serve about 45 youth between the ages of 10 and 17.
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CBS2’s Christina Fan contributed to this report.
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/08/11/jersey-city-credible-messangers/ | Credible Messengers Program Connects Jersey Metropolis Youth With Mentors To Fight Violence – CBS New York
