Nature of Project
The groundbreaking A Better Los Angeles (ABLA) project was set up in 2002 by leaders of the community from schools, law enforcement, social service agencies and
faith-based agencies to work with disengaged young people with a prime objective of reducing gang violence in that community.
The Challenge
The enormity of their task cannot be overstated. California has about 85,000 gang members and over 600 gang-related murders a year. Many millions are spent every year on prison custody for gang-based offenders.
The TPI Intervention
- A variant of The Pacific Institute®’s Investment in Excellence® programme, known as Imagine 21®.
- Key people from The LA Department of Family Service, the LA Police Department and former gang members and local leaders have been trained to facilitate the programmes.
Key Results
- 500 people in gang affected communities experienced the curriculum between 2002 and 2004.
- Subsequent facilitator training has seen the programmes rolled out to thousands more.
- Communities formed partnerships with key stakeholder groups to provide activities in arts, counselling, vocational training and other specialised programmes.
- Street violence has decreased significantly in some areas and community involvement has increased exponentially.
- Areas that were “no go” zones previously are now more accessible.
