In recognition of Youth Violence Prevention Week, the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (YVPI) hosted the annual Youth Violence Prevention Information Presentation, featuring a panel discussion and the Heroes of Peace Award, at the Boys and Girls Club on April 6, 2017. "Through the collaborative effort of the partners of the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative and the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, we are engaging and empowering youth to have a positive impact in their lives and in the community.” said Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey.  “It is not only what is taking place during this week, but throughout the year. We will also have the annual Peace by Piece Conference as well as a special police-youth dialogue that will be taking place on April 26th at the Boys and Girls Club.” The Fall River Youth Violence Prevention Initiative is a collaboration of dedicated partners focused on empowering the community-at-large to become involved in the reduction and ultimate prevention of youth violence in Fall River. Click here for a 46-minute video of the event. Click here for the Herald News article. For more information, contact Christian McCloskey at 508-982-4297.

(Top row)  Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Peter McCarthy, Teen Director Mimi Larrivee and Fall River Police Lt. Paul Bernier wait for the program to begin as Ann Medeiros of CFC's Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program talks with YVPI Co-chair Michaela Hetzler and City Councilor Richard Cabeceias talks with Tom Khoury. (Row two) YVPI Co-chair Annemarie Holly talks with panelists Shawn Tolchinsky and Cedric Cooke before Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey opens the meeting. (Row three) Audience members listen as Ms. Hetzler introduces Ms. Holly who emcees the youth panel. (Row four) Ms. Hetzler poses a question to Mr. Tolchinsky and Mr. Cooke. (Row four) Jason Springer asks another question to the panelists, including Matthew Pachedo, right. (Row five) City Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and a Fall River District Manager for DYS pose questions and Mr. Tolchinsky responds. (Row six) Ms. Hetzler congratulates each of the School Resource Officers who were recognized with a "Heroes of Peace" award along with the Fall River Rotary. (Row seven) Diman Student Makenzie Teixeira, School Committee Person Paul Coogan, and Family Service Association Counselor Christian Berrios receive similar recognition. (Bottom row) Seth Hockert-Lotz, owner of Domino's Pizza South Main Street, arrives after the program but in time to join the others for a group photo.,