Dallas Parks and Recreation Department 5620 ParkdaleDallasTX75227214-670-0200214-670-0388

Program: Juvenile Gang Prevention Program Year Started: 1991 Focus: Theater & Visual Arts Youth Served: 90 Ages: 8-21 Budget: N/A The Dallas Parks and Recreation Department (DPRD) started its Juvenile Gang Prevention Program in city parks, where an influx of gang members was causing alarm. The DPRD formed a citizen task force to serve as the governing board and help shape positive pathways for at-risk youth. Now, free 2-hour classes held weekly at four recreation centers are generating student presentations, performances and exhibitions around the community. Usually half a year is dedicated to theater and the other, to visual arts. Teachers from Junior Players, a local nonprofit arts group, help participants create their own plays based on personal experiences, or expose them to various visual arts. Transportation is provided to encourage attendance, which is reported to be 80 percent of the participants on a regular basis. "The Program has the kids thinking and reflecting on their actions and how they affect themselves, peers and families," says Community Outreach Supervisor Boadicea White. "Previously territorial gang members are now working as a team and relating to each other as they take on challenges and work hard to achieve something."