Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey to Host First Gang Prevention Summit

MONTEREY, Calif. - Jan. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) will host its first Gang Prevention Summit on Saturday, January 31st.  Community members, teens, and families are encouraged to participate in the discussion to prevent gang violence in Monterey County.

According to local law enforcement, Monterey County has an estimated 5,000 certified and affiliated gang members, with approximately 3,000 living in the City of Salinas. Gangs continue to influence the youth of Monterey County to make poor life decisions, triggering the highest homicide rate for ages 10 to 24 in California. By hosting this summit, BGCMC aims to educate youth and empower the community to discourage gang involvement.

“Gangs prove to be one of the top safety concerns facing Monterey County today. They not only affect community businesses and general safety, but most importantly our children. This summit will open a dialogue with the community on how to approach and deter gang violence in our community,” explains Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin.

Following a welcoming ceremony, participants will be divided up to visit four different sessions to discuss the repercussions of gang involvement. Each session will feature speakers who faced different consequences for their choices in life.  They will share their life lessons and give hope and guidance to those facing similar obstacles today. A resource fair will also be provided from 12pm to 12:45pm.

The Gang Prevention Summit is sponsored by California Water Service Company, Glastonbury Audio Visual, and Union Bank.

This free summit is from at 8:30am to 2:30pm on Saturday, January 31st at the Salinas Clubhouse, 85 Maryal Drive, Salinas. For more information visit http://www.bgcmc.org/ or contact Brenda Roncarati at broncarati@bgcmc.org.

Contact:
Brenda Roncarati
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
(831) 394-5171
broncarati@bgcmc.org

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has played an integral role in the community for over 45 years.  BGCMC provides a safe haven for over 800 children and teens a day, offering programs that focus on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Leadership. BGCMC operates Clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas, extension sites at El Sausal and La Paz Middle Schools in Salinas, Fairview Middle School in Gonzales, and a site at the CHISPA Sea Garden Community in Castroville.  Club members are offered mentoring and guidance to maintain on-grade school progression, graduation from high school, and prepare for college and careers.  Nearly 90% of the total budget comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer and school breaks, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.  Additional information is available at www.bgcmc.org or via phone at 831-394-5171.