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Melissa Elliott, Henderson City Council member and founder of Gang Free, Inc., was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide updates on the organization’s mission and focus.
Elliott founded Gang Free Inc. in 2009 to serve at-risk youth and adults. Stating she was once an at-risk youth with many of the same issues as the children she serves, Elliott credited “lots of prayer, a servant’s heart and a resilient spirit” for her success in life.
With a focus on local youth, the mission of Elliott’s organization is to “educate and empower individuals to live a life liberated of crime through innovative programs and services.”
Recently, Elliott said the focus has shifted slightly to preventing juvenile delinquency at the elementary school level before problems arise. Gang Free participants include children from L.B. Yancey, Pinkston Street, Clark and E.O. Young elementary schools.
“We are trying to reach these students before they actively become engaged in a gang or turn to juvenile delinquency,” said Elliott.
Located at 940 County Home Rd. in Henderson, the organization offers after school programs, summer camps, two homeless shelters and assistance for those suffering from food insecurities.
“We have a garden on our premises and we teach children about horticulture and growing their own food,” Elliott said. “In addition to the items from our garden, we distribute 60,000 pounds of food per month to those in need.”
Lack of adequate food and nutrition is just one obstacle facing many children in the community, according to Elliott, who said issues in the home often manifest themselves as “problem or troubled” behavior in the classroom and in public.
“Oftentimes, students that get involved in gang activity have a lot of barriers in the home. We’ve learned that you can’t just deal with one thing; it’s a domino effect,” explained Elliott.
While the bigger picture of what leads to juvenile delinquency and a life of crime are complicated and varied, Elliott said showing children they are cared for and valued at an early age can prevent gang involvement in the future.
“It’s not rocket science,” she said. “Children need to be loved and know that they are loved and cared for.”
To learn more about Gang Free Inc., to become a volunteer or to donate, please visit the organization’s website at www.gangfreeinc.org.
To hear Elliott’s interview in its entirety, including information on Gang Free funding, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.