The Peaceful Coalition resumed its regular Friday afternoon meetings in the Durfee High School library on January 6, 2005, with faculty consultants Tom Khoury, Paul Leite and Il Chy. The group has brought together young men and young women from a variety of backgrounds to discuss interpersonal conflicts and common concerns for the past few years. One of the central topics of the group is gang life and the pressures that many feel in resisting the intimidation of gang members. The group forms strong connections among its members and a strong bond with the faculty advisors. They also plan and present a number of presentations to middle school students in the spring. For information about the Peaceful Coalition, contact coordinator Paul Leite at 508-679-8199
 

(Top row. left) Durfee High School Principal Donald Rebello, who often joins the group discussion, greets the group at the beginning of their meeting. (Top row, middle) Tom Khoury and Paul Leite listens to one of the group members as he makes a point about gang violence. (Top row, right) Tom Khoury, student Bobby Gonzalez and faculty advisor Il Chy encourage others to share their points of view. (Middle row, right) School Committee Member Mark Costa and Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey attend a portion of the session. (Bottom row, left) Il Chy describes his own experiences growing up in Fall River and how the climate has changed over the years. (Bottom row, center) Jonathan Gonzalez applauds the group discussion at the end of the meeting.