Teens are packing up pledges, t-shirts and information to hand out in Worcester neighborhoods. They’re part of a state-funded project at the Worcester Youth Center called Violence is Not Normal.

Things to Know: 

  • Group of 25 teens and mentors are combating gun violence with community outreach.
  • The youth center says, in Massachusetts, guns are responsible for three out of four youth homicides.
  • Last summer, there was an uptick in violence in Worcester. 
  • Teens are learning job skills.

“I’m really honored to be able to go out and be able to feel like I'm making a difference in our community and spreading the word that violence is not normal," Jayliany Rivera, Violence is not Normal Participant said. 

The goal of the program is to combat gun violence in the city, have meaningful conversations and learn. The teens are recording their outreach experiences and making a documentary.

“Having them do it is one thing but having them understand it on a personal level, in their environment is a whole another thing," Cassie Giardina, Team Leader Health and Wellness at the Worcester Youth Center said.

Last summer, there was an uptick in violence in Worcester. The youth center says, in Massachusetts guns are responsible for three out of four youth homicides.

“We're not going to change everybody's mind but even if, you stopped one act of violence is better than it happening," Kofi Brefo, Violence is Not Normal Participant said. 

To be part of the paid program, participants also had to take a job readiness class. Youth mentors are hoping to team up with local businesses to help teens find internships.

“It can keep them away from the things that's going on, especially in the summertime, from fsome of the violence or some of the areas that might be impacted by violence, and also give them some life skills and training opportunities to put on their resume and get a better job in the future," Nathan Pickens, Case Manager said. 

The youth center is planning to keep visiting the neighborhoods after the program wraps up to keep the conversation going.