MILWAUKEE — In response to a rise in youth gun violence, Milwaukee County has launched a program aimed at directly intervening in the lives of young people frequently involved in violent incidents.

What You Need To Know

  • The Advance Peace Fellowship targets young people between the ages of 14 to 24 who are considered the highest risk

  • It pairs youth with mentors, some of whom have personal histories of overcoming violent pasts

  • DeVone Boggan, CEO of Advance Peace, said the program has proven successful in 10 other cities across the country

  • Milwaukee County received a $2 million federal grant to fund this program for three years

Leaders and advocates gathered at Milwaukee Christian Center Tuesday to unveil the Advance Peace Fellowship, a program that pairs youth with mentors, some of whom have personal histories of overcoming violent pasts.

The Advance Peace Fellowship targets young people between the ages of 14 to 24 who are considered the highest risk. Those enrolled will receive a stipend to participate in structured mentorship focused on trauma-informed care and healing methods, social service support, life skills training and internship opportunities.

Stephen Hopkins, who’s already active in trying to reduce gun violence in Milwaukee, will help lead the program as a “neighborhood change agent.” Hopkins said his goal is to save more lives after witnessing too many senseless deaths.

“It’s unfortunate, but I just was on the scene where a young man got shot in the head yesterday (Monday) on Forest Home,” said Hopkins.

Last Saturday in Milwaukee, a 12-year-old was fatally shot, and a 15-year-old was taken into custody for the shooting, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.

“We go to deal with the family,” said Hopkins. “We go to deal with the loved ones at the scene, but most importantly, like you heard a little bit earlier, it is to stop the possible retaliatory shooting.”

DeVone Boggan, CEO of Advance Peace, said the program has proven successful in 10 other cities across the country. He also pointed out that the program is not tied to the court system or law enforcement. Instead, it focuses on disrupting violent behavior and humanizing young offenders who are all too often given up on.

“It’s who we know, who are the shooters,” said Boggan. “We know who they are.”

He said nationwide, Advance Peace currently serves about 1,000 young people.

“So, most of these guys that we’re talking about have been victimized directly or indirectly by firearm activity,” said Boggan.

Hopkins said they are the people who need more support to get on a positive path.

“I have people near and dear to me who have died as a result of gun violence,” said Hopkins. “It’s more of a life’s calling for me. I feel like that it’s a select few people, a very small percentage, that are able and gifted to do this work. I feel like I was chosen for this work, not only because of what I went through, but the change I want to see in my city.”

Milwaukee County received a $2 million federal grant to fund this program for three years. The University of California-Berkley will track its effectiveness over that time period.

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