Kansas City nonprofit aims to curb violence, crime in youth

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - After Wednesday’s mass shooting and learning that those accused are teens, KC Common Good is doubling down on curbing youth violence by promoting programming that gives kids hope for the future.

KC Common Good’s focus is crime reduction and prevention by getting to the root of the issue.

One of the problems, nonprofit officials said, is since many young people experience violence on a consistent basis it makes them feel there is nothing to live for.

One of the ways they are looking to change that mindset is through summer employment. Their program is called “Working for Youth” which is in in collaboration with ProX.

According to KC Common Good’s program manager, Darrin Faulkner, rates of teen violence drop when they are employed. He is hopeful it can be a turning point in their lives.

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“Many of our young people that I’ve talked to say they do not feel they’ll live to see 18 or 20 or 25. I would impress upon them that you can and you will. But you must choose a pathway that will get you there,” he said.

KC Common Good is in the process of recruiting employers for this year’s program. They have seen an increase in participation by the hundreds over the last three years.

More information on the program for youth workers will be forthcoming.

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