Latinos In The Community

September 10, 2005 With gang violence constantly in the headlines, this important "Ñ Beat" gives an inside glimpse into the world of Chicago gangs and sheds light on some amazing individuals trying to help young people break the cycle of violence and hopelessness. We will meet several present and former gang members, as well as Gang Unit officers of the Chicago Police Department and community leaders trying to give young people an alternative to this all too common lifestyle. Theresa Gutierrez hosts this half-hour special that also features ABC 7 personalities John Garcia and Stacey Baca.

Segments Include:

YMCA Street Intervention Program— Kenny Ruiz, the executive director of the YMCA Street Intervention Program, was named Chicagoan of the year in 2004 by Chicago Magazine. This Chicagoan has dedicated his life to helping young people escape the gang lifestyle. Through Kenny, we meet several former gang members including Jose who recently removed himself from this dangerous cycle of violence. We hear his dramatic stories of street crime and murder.

Chicago Police Department— ABC7's John Garcia goes deep into the trenches of a gang infested community with a Chicago Police Gang Unit Sergeant. We see first hand some of the crimes and dangers of these neighborhoods. For the last few years the Chicago Police Department has been stepping up its work against gangs. They are combining street intelligence with technology and flooding the neighborhoods—at the same. The department has fine tuned policing strategies like comp stat, the computerized mapping system.

Lincoln's Challenge— More than 38 thousand students drop out of high school in Illinois every year. Without the needed skills and education these young people often find themselves jobless, unmotivated, and unmarketable. They are highly at risk for drug use, crime, and chronic unemployment. This is where Lincoln's Challenge Academy comes in. Lincoln's Challenge is a unique intervention program that helps young adults—ages 16 to 18-- turn their lives around. This free, 17-month program is designed to give high school drop-outs the skills and educational opportunities they need to become contributing, self-supporting members of their communities. 60% of its cadets are from Chicago. We meet Jesse, a former gang member, who now has decided to change his life for the better.

Cease Fire Chicago— There are many organizations out there fighting for peace in our communities. But of course eliminating gang violence is a very tough challenge and along the way…loved ones are left behind just trying to get through each day. Cease fire is an effort by the communities and the city to reduce violence. Cease Fire works in 15 high risk communities in and around Chicago. This hands-on program diffuses urban hot spots partly by having outreach workers –some of whom are former gang bangers-- counsel potential shooters into the early morning hours. We will meet several family members trying to cope with the loss of a child or loved one due to gang violence.

YMCA Human Services
Kenny Ruiz
YMCA Street Intervention Project
1834 N. Lawndale
Chicago, IL 60647
312-932-1242
kenny_ruiz@ymcachgo.org

Chicago Police Department
Chicago Police Department
3510 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60653
312-746-6000
www.cityofchicago.org/police

Lincoln's Challenge Academy
Lincoln's Challenge Academy
Attention: Registrar's Office
205 Dodge Avenue
Rantoul, IL 61866
1-800-851-2166
www.lincolnschallengeacademy.com

Cease Fire
The Chicago Project for Violence Prevention
UIC School of Public Health
1603 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612
1-866-TO-CEASE (1-866-862-3273)
www.ceasefireillinois.org