(Washington, DC) The East of the River Violence Intervention Partnership (VIP) was awarded the Innovative Prevention Strategy Award by the US Department of Justice at the 2007 Project Safe Neighborhoods National Conference, which was held September 17 – 19 in Atlanta, GA. VIP is the centerpiece of Washington DC’s anti-gang and youth violence intervention initiatives, and seamlessly coordinates the efforts of law enforcement, community-based organizations, faith-based community and street-level outreach.

The street-level outreach efforts are led by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation Roving Leaders and Peaceoholics, a local non-profit organization. Through outreach efforts such as mentoring, home and school visits, employment referrals, one-on-one weekly meetings, mediation sessions and other activities the Roving Leaders play an integral role in providing positive support for at-risk youth.

“We are very proud of the work Roving Leaders provide to youth in the community. Their presence helps to encourage youth who are particularly vulnerable to negative influences into leading healthy lifestyles,” said Clark Ray, Acting DPR Director.

“Our goal is to guide youth by providing them with quality outreach services and leadership skills for the future. Since being established in 1956, we have had a lot of success stories,” said Alonzo Hollway, DPR Roving Leader.

To date, VIP partners have intervened to facilitate mediations for more than 35 male crews, and 15 female crews, diffusing incidents among dozens of members to avoid further escalations of violence.

“The VIP collaboration is a great example of the level of achievement of what can be accomplished when agencies and organizations work together to help young people live positive, productive lives,” said Holloway.

Retreats for rival crew members have been conducted successfully, and programs have been implemented that connect youth with community service opportunities to fulfill court-ordered requirements. Participants have been placed in part-time jobs and/or enrolled in partner sponsored programs that foster development of life skills and conflict resolution skills.

Established in 2005, the VIP focuses on systemic issues, such as truancy, delinquency and recidivism, by coordinating enforcement efforts and by integrating programs and services. The VIP model provides wrap around services for at-risk teens and adults from ages 13 to 26 years who reside in Wards 7 and 8. The program is targeted towards teens and youth who are actively involved or closely affiliated with a gang; anyone presently charged with a violent or dangerous crime on release to the community; and anyone on probation or parole following a delinquency adjudication or adult conviction involving a violent or dangerous crime.

For more information on Roving Leaders, contact Wallace Perry (202) 673-6843.