GRASP is a Denver-based intervention program that helps youth leave gangs or avoid joining them. Homies Unidos, a similar organization in L.A., produced the documentary based on the lives of some its founders. 'It's their road to finding redemption and social justice,' explains GRASP program assistant.

Is a peer-run, intervention program that works with youth who are at-risk of gang involvement or are presently active in gangs, helps families of gang victims, and serves as a youth advocate. And, it works so well because it is run by ex-gang members who broke free of the gang lifestyle and turned their lives around. The staff understands how difficult it is to make this transition and the challenges confronting youth who do it. Established in 1991 after a tragic ‘drive-by’ shooting death of a teen, GRASP has evolved into a highly respected and successful program of Metro Denver Partners, a non-profit organization, that for over 40 years has helped kids to better futures through one-on-one mentoring. Is a network of federal, state, and local government agencies; local businesses; community-based, grassroots and faith-based organizations; and community resident associations that work in a collaborative manner to address gang violence. GRID is housed under the Denver Department of Public Safety and is committed to the suppression and prevention of gun and gang violence in Denver.

This is achieved through several strategies including connecting resources within communities, enhancing information sharing and collaboration among agencies, and seeking change in community norms regarding violence. Aspires to reduce recidivism rates of formerly incarcerated men and women by helping them transition to lives of success and fulfillment.

Autocad Blocks Of Playgrounds Near there. We take the approach that the level of an individual’s personal investment of focus, effort, and commitment will determine how successful their re-entry process will be, and how well maintained the freedom will be. SCC is staffed by experienced Criminal Justice Insiders offering case management, mentoring, and uniquely positive “role modeled examples of the possibilities” in order to help participants reestablish their lives and deal with the challenges of returning to their families and communities.

Henry Gonzalez didn’t really have a chance to avoid gangs while growing up. His brother introduced him to one in Glendale at a young age and he found himself on probation by age 12. His brother is in jail, serving a 10-year sentence, but Gonzalez found help. Gonzalez, 19, received a court order to go to meetings with the (GRASP) five years ago and he’s been in the program ever since. Now he’s finishing high school and considering college. He said when he was younger, he figured he’d just sell drugs for money.

GRASP works with youth ages 14-21 and serves as a support group for those connected to gangs. They have group meetings Thursday nights at the Minoru Yasui Plaza building, 303 W. Meetings are peer-led and consist of roundtable discussions during which youth can talk about their struggles, goals for the week and hear from others going through some of the same things. “The fact that there’s someone who can understand where you are coming from, you feel comfortable speaking when someone can understand you,” Gonzalez said. GRASP staff are typically ex-gang members who found a way out with similar support and are able to pass their knowledge on to youth and help guide them through difficult times. Program assistant Gerardo Lopez typically leads discussion Thursday nights.

He was a former gang member in Los Angeles, but got help and now assists others in getting out or, in some cases, never going into a gang. “I just wanted to give back to help people not do the bad things I did in life and make the same bad decisions,” Lopez said. In addition to running the group on Thursdays, Lopez goes to four area high schools — Brady and Lester Arnold high schools, Compassion Road Academy and New America School — to work with youth who might be tempted by gangs. GRASP was formed 24 years ago after one youth was killed in a drive-by shooting. Metro Denver Partnerships oversees GRASP. According to Lopez, they serve more than 100 youth per year. “It’s designed to give young people an opportunity to get out of gangs and find a safe haven around others,” Lopez said.