Blog Post: Hope Works AmeriCorps Program, we are currently recruiting for mentors!

Gang violence is becoming widespread, dangerous and deadly in many communities. The California Department of Justice estimates there are over 400,000 gang members in California alone.  The TKF Hope Works AmeriCorps Program is a Gang Prevention Pilot Project designed to address reducing gang involvement and community violence.  TKF is the lead agency for the innovative school and community intervention.  The project will build upon the successful programmatic strategies of TKF and its thirteen year history of conducting violence prevention services.

The initiative embraces a classic prevention strategy that gets in front of the problem before expensive and harsh solutions are demanded. The Hope Works collaborative partnership will involve public and private organizations from the cities of San Diego, Compton and Escondido.  The project will target at-risk youth from grades fourth to eighth referred by teachers, counselors, law enforcement, community organizations and parents.  38 AmeriCorps members, servicing at the three project sites, are expected to annually mentor 700 young people.  Teams of AmeriCorps members conduct weekly contacts with youth in their homes, schools and neighborhoods to understand their complex set of risk factors and provide a focused set of resiliency strategies as a means to enhance their lives and promote maintaining non-violent communities.  Gangs offer a limited view of life. Through this program design youth will know someone cares and wants them to succeed.

***We are currently recruiting for Americorp Mentors, this is an amazing opportunity to make a true difference in the lives of our youth.  For those planning a career in Social Services, Education, and/or working with youth, this will help you get off on the right foot for sure!  Those who become an Americorp Mentor  receive a monthly living allowance, health benefits, student loan deferment and an education award upon service completion. Please view our current job posted on Jobing.com for further details and apply if this description fits you!