CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
SALINAS — Local families, youth and adults are invited to be a part of the annual Gang Prevention Summit on Saturday, Jan. 27, a free event at the Salinas Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County at 85 Maryal Drive, behind the Salinas Sports Complex. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
The Summit is designed to equip Monterey County residents with the tools they need to combat gang violence. Last year 92 percent of youth who attended said they were less likely to join a gang after attending, and 86 percent said they would recommend the Summit to other teens.
The event will feature true, life-changing stories, networking opportunities and resources to help local youth, families and community members curb youth violence and gang involvement.
Carol Cervantes was raised on the east side of Salinas and currently works for the City of Salinas’ Street Outreach Program. She will be one of the many panelists at Saturday’s Summit.
“Many lives, including mine, were touched at this event,” Cervantes said of last year’s Summit.
Other speakers will include former NFL pro Anthony Toney, Salinas Chief of Police Adele Fresé, Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County President and CEO Michael Jackson, and more.
The event is sponsored by Taylor Farms and JV Smith Companies.
Registration isn’t required, but encouraged. Contact Jose Moran, club director of community relations, at jm****@bg***.org, or call 831-394-5171 for more information. Daycare will be provided for children 4 to 9 years of age, and lunch is also included for attendees.
