COLUMBUS, Ohio — In just the past week, two 16-year-old teens have been shot and killed in Columbus: Olivia Kurtz and Ty-Sean Finch were both victims of gun violence.
There is a lot of discussion about the numbers, but after talking with those directly involved in solving the problem, they say we need to start delving deeper and talking about the ‘why.’
Throughout a hot summer day in the City of Columbus, some kids are just trying to get by.
“The environment doesn't usually provide the food security, the housing security, the mobility access, or the safety,” said Ayriq Sims, Remember Us Urban Scouts.
Remember Us Urban Scouts is an organization that teaches kids marketable skills so they can simply make money. Such as landscaping, how to work on cars, and this summer, kids can learn how to do hair.
“Doing something good and getting a return back, it's a good thing, it really preps you for real life,” said Tyonna Ellerbe-Easley
Investing in organizations, such as the Urban Scouts is part of the City of Columbus' approach to keeping young people out of trouble. The city is investing close to $1.4 million into youth organizations.
Some of these organizations, such as the Urban Scouts, which is receiving $200,000, keep young people busy and teach skills. Others deal with what's called "violence intervention."
“We really meet people where they are. All people are not going to respond to the same intervention,” said John Dawson, Interim President of Community for New Directions.
Community for New Directions helps about 125 young people every year, between the ages of 14 and 23.
Many are recommended from the school system after being flagged for potentially or already being a part of gang activity. The organization is receiving $170,000 from the city. The organization's goal is to curb violence as early as possible. When asked "why kids turn to violence," Dawson says many of them have the same answer.
“’Who else is going to take care of us?’” he said.
Dawson says it's a matter of disparity.
“A lot of activity that takes place is not fun and games, it's to eat, it's to help out with people's parents who are on drugs, it’s to help out siblings, a lot of our kids pay rent,” he said.
10TV asked both Urban Scouts and Community for New Directions what they wanted those who live outside of these communities to know or the biggest misconceptions they hear. Both say birth plays a bigger role than you may think.
“Know that the difference is the environment you were raised. The socio-economic environment your family provided, the school systems that you went to and that typically is it what makes a difference between one another,” said Dawson.
“Truthfully it's the disparity that creates the violence, that perpetuates the violence. When you don't have access to the basic needs you can never move forward. When you don't have a solid foundation, you can never build from that,” said Sims.
10TV was set to speak with a couple of kids living in Columbus, who say they don't want to see this violence anymore. They backed out after fear of safety.
If you want to see where crime is happening in your neighborhood, just use our interactive crime map here.
Here is a list of all of the organizations receiving money from city council:
- Urban Scouts: $200,000
- Legacy Youth Sports League: $200,000
- Africentric Personal Development Shop: $170,000
- Community of Caring Development Foundation and St. Stephen’s Community House: $135,000
- Community Development for All People: $90,000
- Marion-Franklin Civic Association: $50,000
- Columbus Urban League: $200,000
- Community for New Direction: $170,000
- Martin de Porres Center: $131,000
- Highland Youth Garden: $25,000