Thread: NC - Center to Offer Camp on Gang Prevention

Center to Offer Camp on Gang Prevention

Sunday, June 14, 2009
By E.A. Seagraves
Staff Writer

The Hispanic Center in High Point, is offering at-risk elementary and middle school students GREAT alternatives to gang activities.

The center will offer Gang Resistance Education and Training, a 12-week gang prevention program for parents and children. GREAT is made possible by a grant from the Governor’s Crime Commission.

Oak Hill Elementary, Allen Jay Elementary and Ferndale Middle School are the primary participants in the program, which started in January and will continue with an eight-week summer camp.

Why elementary and middle school-aged children?

Sometimes children are born into a gang, said Vicki Miller, the center’s executive director. She saw that as an educator when a 5-year-old displayed signs and talked about things related to gang activity. Miller is now retired.

Ofilia Kindley, a parent liaison and an English-As-a-Second-Language teacher at Ferndale Middle School, said some children are exposed to gang life through older siblings.

“We can lock up gang members, but the key is to stop (this activity) before it starts,â€

It takes a village to get the job done.

Am I missing something here? I keep reading stories about the Bloods, the Crips and MS13 etc. but have yet to see a story about those white American gangs?

Just asking.