Running for Resolution

This past Sunday, more than 20 runners showed up to run for the Buncombe County Gang Violence Prevention project.  There were three and six mile routes, and  a few runners just made their own course.  These community members made donations to support the young people who are working to change the course of their lives through this project. 

The Gang Violence Prevention Project helps young people age 6-24 who are gang involved or at risk for gang involvement. (I know the six year old end sounds improbable - but it does happen - especially when parents are gang members themselves).   They have access to all kinds of program from equine therapy through Horse Sense of the Carolinas, to basketball programming through Upfront Managment Sports. 

As hard as they try to be involved in these amazing programs, some of the barriers that got them into their situation in the first place are still following them - a lack of money to buy a bus pass to get to their programs, no toiletry items to clean up for GED classes or hearings, and an empty closet with no clothes to get them off on the right foot in their new life.

Runners donated more than $150 dollars - or 10 bus passes!  Thank you to all the friends of the Mediation Center who supported this effort - it was exciting to see so many community members - some of whom probably didn't know a lot about gangs - come and give their energy and their money to make it happen. 

If you would like to donate or learn more about gang violence in Asheville and Buncombe County, go to our website at www.mediatebuncombe.org/doante.