“One Montbello is about [the idea that] we’re stronger together we need to bridge some of the breaches in our community between different racial groups, different ethnics groups,” Bechhoefer said. “We want to bridge some of the divides in our community and get more community members attached to this community.”
Learn more about two of the incredible young ladies that serve on the Steps to Success Youth Advisory Board, BreAnna Ray and Shamika Anderson.
"We want a ripple effect. I recognize you, it feels good, you think about it, you acknowledge somebody else," Brown said.
And so they began to make positive recognition more public. It's not just kids that will be recognized for good deeds moving forward, it's the adults, the role models. Role models like Dianne Cooks.
One resource in particular is very popular with Montbello families. That's "Strengthening Families," hosted by two churches in the neighborhood. It helps parents and kids ages 10 to 14 improve communication among themselves.
"People don't talk to their kids or listen to what their kids think. That causes all sorts of problems," said Montbello father Stanley Mills. "So they look to their peers, they look to drugs and alcohol...Instead of getting into arguments and power struggles, things like that, you can use some basic tools to explain yourself," he said.
Listen to our very own Beverly Kingston discuss our approach, progress and hopes for the future!
http://news.kgnu.org/2015/05/reducing-violence-in-a-denver-neighborhood/
