Blue Ribbon Commission's Press Conference Announcing YEZ

Youth violence is a serious issue in the Cape Fear Area. Families in New Hanover County neighborhoods are dealing with violent behavior on a daily basis and often have nowhere to turn. The Blue Ribbon Commission has created the Youth Enrichment Zone, YEZ, modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York City, in NHC and will work to serve youth and families in these high crime neighborhoods.

Guest Speakers: Mayor Bill Saffo, Dr. Al Lerch, Rev. Robert Campbell and District Attorney Ben David

The Youth Enrichment Zone will:
• Involve residents in making decisions for their children, families and community with assistance from a network of community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and schools
• Connect families and their children to high quality early care, schools and other educational opportunities
• Help children and youth learn life skills to succeed in the workforce, family and community
• Reach about 1,500 people including about 512 children and youth 0-17 years old.

“This Zone demonstrates a community supported initiative in addressing the issues of youth violence using best practice methods as well as using existing resources and making sure those resources reach our youth and their families in those areas that desperately need them” says Mayor Bill Saffo.