SAW 2010

Since 2003, there has been an explosion of increased gang involvement in our community as evidenced through gang-related murders, drive-by shootings, gang-related arson, increased burglaries, robberies, drug trafficking, drug use, multiple instances of gang-related graffiti and documented gang members. 

The OOY has been working informally in the field of gang and violence prevention since the late 90’s; however, with the rise in gang and drug activity in our area over the last few years, the Office determined the need to create a formalized gang prevention strategy for the community.  Toward this end, the SAW 2010 Coalition was created in January of 2007.  The mission of SAW 2010 is to be a proactive, multi-organizational coalition charged with educating, preventing, and reducing street gang activity within the City of Staunton, Augusta County, and the City of Waynesboro.

This project takes a multi-faceted approach toward gang prevention.  First, this project seeks to mobilize the business, political, and faith communities to realize the need for service and involvement with youth in the community.  Second, the project seeks to create service opportunities that involve youth and provide them with positive activities as well as opportunities for adults in the community to mentor youth.

For more information visit www.saw2010.info.

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S.P.O.K.E.S.
In an attempt to provide healthy activities for youth to participate with positive adult role-models, the OOY has initiated a bicycle repair program titled S.P.O.K.E.S. (Supervised Program Offering Kids Effective Skills).  S.P.O.K.E.S is designed to give positive opportunities to youth to learn skills, give back to their community, feel valued, and work with an adult mentor. 

Currently, the Waynesboro Police Department gives unclaimed bicycles to the OOY to be repaired and redistributed.  These bicycles are in a state of disrepair, due to being stolen or abandoned.  Meeting approximately two times a week, youth learn how to and then actually repair bicycles.  Youth work with OOY staff and community volunteers.  The project is open to all youth, though a special effort is made to target at-risk youth who have been involved with the juvenile court system.