| Issue At Hand: Juvenile Prevention | | Print | |
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The rate of High School dropouts and gang violence in Nebraska continue to be an issue. United Way partner agencies work with children and teens to prevent violence by offering them a chance to develop personal interests and strengths in a safe environment. Did you know? 1 in 5 Nebraska students failed to graduate on time or dropped out. Droupouts are 8 times more likely to be incarcerated.1 Keeping kids in school is the best way to prevent detrimental behavior in young adults. Dozens of United Way funded programs work with area youth and their schools to ensure that students are given all of the tools they need to succeed.
Did you know? According to the Omaha Police Department, gang related homicides in Omaha were at their highest rate in a decade during 2010.2 In order to reverse this trend, it's important for community organizations to work together to provide opportunities for kids. After-school programs give kids the support and structure they need to help them say no to dangerous choices. United Way funded after-school programs operated by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Completely KIDS, Girls Inc. of Omaha and Kids Can Community Center encourage children to develop positive interests and habits that will keep them in school and away from violence. So how do United Way funded programs help children and teens make positive choices? After-school and neighborhood-based programs encourage children and teens to develop personal interests and habits in a supportive environment. By providing creative, educational and athletic opportunities, kids are able to find what interests them and pursue those interests. Whether it’s technology education co...urses, photography workshops, teambuilding exercises through team sports or educational games and activities, thousands of kids in the Omaha metro area are discovering their passions. When United Way partner agencies encourage students through hands on activities, they show them how fulfilling life can be without taking part in gangs or violent behavior. So what kind of programs keep kids engaged after school? Programs like Technology Education at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands give kids the opportunity to develop new interests and hobbies while adding to their education. In order to prevent violent behavior in children and teens, it's essential to give them educational opportunities that will encourage positive behavior and influence their future endeavors. Take a look to see how these kids benefit every day from these specialized educational programs: 1 Douglas County Sheriff Department, 6/5/2009 |
