Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — Before students get let out of school and rush into the Boys and Girls Club, Executive Director Patrick Driscoll types away at his desk. Like Common Councilor Steven Thompson, Driscoll said he has noticed an increase of children and teens being victims and suspects of violent crimes in the area.
When there is an incident, people with information regarding any acts of violence must step forward, according to Driscoll.
“You may have some people say it’s not my problem,” Driscoll said. “Unfortunately, it’s the community’s problem.”
Driscoll said that people speaking out and sharing information is one of the most important steps towards a solution, and that people may not come forward out of fear of retribution.
Thompson said that kids committing acts of gang-related violence don’t understand how they can lose 15 years of their own life too.
The Boys and Girls Club in Syracuse put support systems in place for members who have experienced trauma, and they work to make a smooth transition from school to the club for students.
Thompson says that Syracuse schools work closely with students that are at risk of joining gangs. Also, the police will inform the school if a student lives in an area that was shot or shot at so that the student may receive the proper accommodations he or she needs, according to Thompson.
The Boys and Girls Club provides kids in the area with after-school activities that keeps kids on a positive track, according to Driscoll.
