Overnight lock-in to combat violence

staff report

WARREN — The Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown is joining forces with the YWCA of Warren to conduct a Violence Prevention Overnight Program to combat youth violence in Warren and other areas of Trumbull County.

The event is based on “Making the Peace” from the Oakland Men’s Project, a multiracial, community-based violence prevention program started in 1979.

The Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown and the YWCA of Warren, 375 N. Park Ave., have put together the overnight program that will feature several activities and speakers directed toward helping young people develop solid character and leadership qualities. It begins at 6 p.m. Friday with registration in the YWCA foyer and concludes the following day. A Blue Ribbon recognition for the youths will be at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Bob Marchese, executive director/CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown, said he is proud to come together with Shari Harrell, executive director of the YWCA, “on this important and informative opportunity for the youth of Warren and Trumbull County. This proven youth violence reduction program will train youth to become facilitators throughout the community.”

Nationwide Boys & Girls Clubs of America are heavily focusing on programs to bring a reduction in all types of youth violence.