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Seminars, celebration seek to keep youth out of gangs

Moultrie Observer - 2/26/2019

Feb. 25-- Feb. 25--MOULTRIE, Ga. -- A Moultrie youth program will host three days of events focused on helping keep youth out of gangs -- or get them out if they're already involved.

The G.R.E.A.T. Youth Program presents a compilation of current research on gangs, including data on the state of gang problems in the United States, why youth join gangs, the risk factors and attractions that increase youth's propensity to join gangs and how gangs form, according to a press release from the group, whose name is an acronym for Gang Resistance Education and Training. It's associated with The R.E.A.L. Church of Moultrie, formerly known as Greater Newton Grove Cathedral.

The event starts Thursday with a presentation for parents, church members and community leaders. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Groveland Event Center on West Central Avenue.

A similar event will be held for teachers and other school system personnel at 4 p.m. Friday at C.A. Gray Junior High School.

Both events will include presentations by Marc Fomby, a gang prevention specialist from Los Angeles, who will teach how to recognize behaviors -- including changes in clothing colors -- as indicative of gang involvement, according to G.R.E.A.T. founder George Wallace.

Wallace, who has coached Pop Warner football for years, said he's seen some of his former players get in trouble due to gangs, and it hurts his heart. Sports helps, he said, but only during the season: Children and youth need something to do all the time, he said.

"If they're not doing anything, they're getting in trouble," he said. "An idle mind is the devil's playhouse."

Which brings us to "Community Unity: A Peace in the Park Event," to be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Ryce Community Center and the adjacent park, 305 Seventh St. N.W.

The festival will feature music, free barbecue, an auto sound system contest for cars and trucks, a three-point contest and a 3-on-3 competition. Four bicycles will be given away to youth who excel in competitions.

Cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick Star will take pictures with kids throughout the day.

There will be bounce houses, hula hoops, a drink ring toss and many other fun activities for kids and adults.

For more information, call Wallace at (229) 429-7867.

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