The City of Gresham’s Youth Services Department is teaming up with the Gresham Police Department during the month of June for a series of events focusing on youth violence prevention. June is nationally recognized as Gun Violence Awareness month. As the number of children and teens killed by gunfire in the United States increased 50% between 2019 and 2021, according to the Pew Research Center, Gresham has intentionally focused on youth violence prevention as a way to tackle gun violence in the community.
“At the heart of prevention work is providing youth with opportunities to engage in positive activities,” said Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg. “If we can actively engage with our youth and provide their families with support services they may need, they will be less likely to turn to negative opportunities when given the chance.”
Events in June:
- June 1: East Metro Community Safety Collaborative meeting kicks off.
- June 2: Gun Violence Awareness Day is commemorated by wearing orange.
- June 3 and June 17: Rock Haven climbing camps.
- June 11 and June 23: Timbers and Thorns games.
- June 17: A community skateboarding event in partnership with PUSH.
- June 17: The Underground Gym summer kick off with a backpack and jump rope giveaway.
- June 26-28: The Michael Holton Basketball camp.
Additionally, the City of Gresham has awarded Home Forward a $25,000 grant specifically to provide programming beginning in June. Home Forward utilizes their Community Service staff to provide supportive services and programs such as mentoring, homework help, recreation, nutrition and wellness, addiction prevention, financial education and parental support. By partnering with Home Forward, the City of Gresham will be able to expand youth violence prevention programming throughout the summer.
