Forsyth County organizations, law enforcement launch youth violence prevention pilot program

Forsyth County community organizations are partnering with local law enforcement to launch a pilot program this summer aimed at youth violence prevention.

The program is called STARS, which stands for Students Taking Action & Reaching Success.

Triad Restorative Justice is one of several community organizations involved in the initiative. Executive Director Valerie Glass spoke about the pilot at a press conference on Monday. 

“This isn't a program that's just about keeping youth off the streets. It's about helping them shine," Glass said. "It's not about behavior. It's about connection, opportunity and hope.”

The first cohort consists of about 20 young men who were recommended to the program by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Starting June 23, they’ll spend six weeks working on building community, anger management, financial literacy, life skills, conflict resolution and more. They'll also set career and education goals, learn about restorative justice and take field trips once a week.

"We'll also talk a lot about community responsibility and how they can contribute in the community," Glass said. 

The participants will receive transportation courtesy of Support Systems of Forsyth County and a stipend of $100 a week. 

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is replicating the program for another 20 kids, who have yet to be selected, starting July 7.

Other partnering organizations include the Winston-Salem Police Department, Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR), Foundation 34, Project Safe Neighborhood, My Brother’s Second Chance, North Carolina Health Partners, and the City of Winston-Salem Mayor’s Office.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.