St. Petersburg Police Department receives a $35,000 grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to implement a youth program aimed at reducing teen gun violence. Known as the Youth Champions program, it fosters positive interactions between local teenagers and law enforcement, providing a safe environment for discussions about personal challenges and self-management skills.
Every month, teens gather at the Jordan Park community center to engage in activities that build confidence and resilience, guided by organizations like Mindful Movement Florida. This initiative is crucial as it seeks to shift the narrative of police-teen interactions from crisis management to proactive relationship-building, helping youth to better manage their emotions and reduce violence in the community.
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