One way to stop violence—prevent it.

What causes violence? Experiencing violence at a young age is a predictor of juvenile delinquency, which in turn predicts adult criminal behavior.

What does violence cause? The many dimensions of violence affect us all. It destroys families. Creates fear. Impedes our children’s academic progress. Devastates neighborhoods. And takes our loved ones from us.

What are you doing about it? You’re trying to reach at-risk children in time through a number of programs supported by the United Way’s Community Fund. When we act as one:

• Over 22,000 kids have a safe place to go after school—an alternative to the streets at a time when most juvenile crime occurs—3 to 9 p.m. These programs offer help with homework, and provide mentors who take a real interest in students who might otherwise drift away from school.
• Neighborhoods are stengthened. Research shows that a rise in abandoned buildings corresponds with increased crime rates, so your generosity also helps fund programs that help families avoid foreclosure. In fact, 95% of homeowners who got help from the Stabilization Initiative avoided losing their home. Denying gangs or drug distributors a place to set up operations.
• People are protected. Not all violence happens on the streets. You also support programs that help women and children fleeing domestic abuse. You give them a secure place to stay and provide the counseling and follow-up to let them start again.

There’s no one solution, but when we act as one we address the causes of violence whether it’s in our homes or on our streets.