Columbus, Ohio, is intensifying its efforts too combat youth violence with a multi-pronged approach that includes significant investment in summer programs and a new community-focused campaign. The city is allocating over $28 million to summer youth programs, aiming to provide safe and engaging alternatives for children and teenagers, keeping them away from potential crime and negative influences.

A Mother’s Plea: Remembering Lorenzio Galloway Jr.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the tragic stories of families affected by youth violence. Deann Bridges, a grieving mother, shared poignant memories of her son, 14-year-old Lorenzio Galloway Jr., who was fatally shot on April 12. She recalled a recent outing with Lorenzio, saying, We are at the East Market; this is the last picture we took together.

Lorenzio, described as a teen who loved football and his family, was looking forward to his eighth-grade graduation. However,his life was cut short when he was found shot to death in a stolen car that crashed in South Linden. Three teenagers have been charged in juvenile court with his murder.

Bridges expressed her desire for the suspects to be tried as adults, stating, I hope they are bound over as adults; they were making adult decisions. She acknowledged that her son had previous brushes with the law, including stealing cars, but believed he was turning his life around.We tried our best to keep him on the straight and narrow. It was just something outside those doors that excited him more. It’s just sad you don’t know what yoru kids are getting into until it’s too late, Bridges lamented.

City’s Response: Investing in Prevention and Safe Spaces

The City of Columbus is channeling nearly $4 million for the remainder of the year through the Office of Violence Prevention.This investment will focus on youth programs, domestic violence prevention, and resources such as life coaching and the creation of safe spaces.Rena Shak, director of Columbus’ Office of Violence Prevention, emphasized the importance of community collaboration, stating, We are all safer together when we are dedicated to this effort.

“Safer Together 614”: A New Community campaign

Next month, the Office of Violence Prevention will launch “Safer Together 614,” a violence prevention and education campaign targeting schools and the broader community. the program will incorporate innovative approaches, including virtual reality experiences at festivals and community events, to engage youth in de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.

Shak explained the campaign’s outreach strategy: We can have those conversations with youth who may be at the fringe, who may not be participating in some of the opportunities that we are providing. We can reach them with a message that there is much more to life than crime.

Community Perspective: A Call for Increased Visibility

Bridges believes that a more proactive approach is needed within the neighborhoods themselves.they need to get out there in these neighborhoods. See these kids out here in the summertime with the black hoodies and ski masks; it’s bigger than all of us, she urged.

A Legacy of Change: Preventing Future Tragedies

As she navigates her grief, Bridges hopes that her son’s death will serve as a catalyst for change. I want more children to stop doing what they are doing and listen to your parents. No family should have to go through this, she pleaded.