Youth Violence Prevention Council and the United Way

Tuesday, at the United Way hosting of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, many of the agencies that are supported by the United Way of Northern California were present to talk about their programs. One of the agencies deals with youth issues in our community, and here is some information on that agency:

Youth Violence Prevention Council
of Shasta County
The Youth Violence Prevention Council of Shasta County (YVPC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to prevent youth violence and promote a safe and healthy community. Our Youth Violence Prevention Council Executive Board is comprised of top-flight leaders from a broad cross-section of the business, law enforcement, government, faith, and education sectors of Shasta County.
History
The problem of gang and youth violence rose to national prominence in the 1980’s and found its way to Redding in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. According to the Redding Police Department, Redding had 20 violent youth gang-related felonies in 1994. This spurred a county-wide effort to rid our communities of youth gangs. Lead by aggressive law enforcement, cooperation from the schools and community-based organizations and agencies, Redding and Shasta County were able to gain the upper hand.
In response to the youth gang issues in our county, the Youth Violence Prevention Council was created in 1996 and became an integral part of the effort to rid our communities of youth gangs. The thrust of the Youth Violence Prevention Council involves the coordination of primary education on youth issues and youth advocacy, all aimed at keeping our county youth gang free and safe for all citizens, young and older alike.
More information can be obtained on their website www.yvpc.org
The YVPC is one of the 33 agencies served by the United Way of Northern California, and one of the 58 programs funded through United Way in the 8 northern counties of California. Information on the United Way can be seen at www.norcalunitedway.org or at www.liveunited.org

For local information call 530-241-7521 or e-mail ronlargent@norcalunitedway.org