A recent and extraordinary evaluation of the Youth Violence Prevention Collaborative of Denver (YVPC-Denver) finds a stunning decrease of youth arrests. In certain neighborhoods, the discount is up to 75%! Guided by the tutelage of Project Director Dave Bechhoefer, this program has inspired more than 3,000 youth ages six to 18. They’ve been given vital preparation in controlling rage and alleviating disputes without confrontation. The program looks to address youth violence from multiple angles. As a result, it has emerged as one of the nation’s only long-term federally funded initiatives to address this pervasive problem.
YVPC-Denver’s initiative is a really important one. Currently, homicide is the third leading cause of death among people 10 to 24 years old. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paint a terrifying picture. Homicide has recently become the top killer of Black youth. These sobering numbers further underscore the need for proven, life-saving interventions in communities hit hardest by the crisis of violence.
A Proven Approach to Conflict Resolution
Since 2011, the YVPC-Denver has developed positive relationships with nearby elementary schools and after-school programs. Its team has worked with many different religious and sports organizations. This community-driven, collaborative framework allows the program to be inclusive and connect with a broad spectrum of youth. In doing so, it amplifies its methods of peaceful conflict resolution and anger management across the country. Kingston, one of YVPC-Denver’s federal representatives, shared what a critical role these partnerships play. They help establish a culture of learning, experimentation, and improvement.
The program has been a leader in putting the best, evidence-based strategies into practice. Its mission is to prepare young people with the knowledge and tools to resolve conflicts without violence. Training sessions have included instruction in trauma-informed communication techniques, emotional regulation, and peaceful negotiation techniques. YVPC-Denver focuses on five core competencies. This emphasis on the positive helps all participants feel better equipped to take steps in the right direction and truly gives them a sense of agency.
The results speak for themselves. A cluster analysis of Native American arrest data across 74 Denver neighborhoods showed some really positive results. Since the program’s launch, annual youth arrests have decreased on average by 18% each year. In Park Hill, a neighborhood heavily impacted by violence, arrests were cut by more than half. They dropped by a jaw-dropping 75%, plummeting from 1,086 per 100,000 residents in 2016 to only 276 per 100,000 in 2021. Such statistics highlight the program’s success at changing the course of lives for youth who would otherwise be on the path toward criminal activity.
Funding Challenges Threaten Program Continuation
In spite of these promising outcomes, the YVPC-Denver’s future is still up in the air. That fourth year of funding under their current five-year grant cycle is at risk of being revoked. This would leave impactful efforts to get youth moving, such as our Game Changers program, high and dry. The potential loss of $1.2 million in federal funding could cripple the organization’s ability to continue its essential work in violence prevention.
As Bechhoefer said, the message that would be sent by losing this money would be harmful. He said that without additional support, YVPC-Denver wouldn’t be able to keep up with the work they’re doing now or their outreach in the city. The organization has played a crucial role in mitigating youth violence through its comprehensive programming. Its discontinuation would leave a significant gap in services available to vulnerable populations.
Community leaders and other stakeholders are now mobilizing to push for ongoing funding to ensure YVPC-Denver’s survival. They say that reducing funding at this point would undo the progress made over the last ten years. This reckless decision would place countless youth who need guidance, mentorship and educational opportunity at risk of falling back into dangerous cycles of violence and crime. The ripple effect has a much larger impact than just the immediate participants. A loss of funding would damage whole communities, reversing the gains we’ve achieved together in decreasing violence and increasing safety.
Lasting Impact on Communities
Ultimately, YVPC-Denver’s long-term commitment to a holistic vision of change is what’s built resilience among neighborhoods like Montbello and Park Hill. By integrating conflict resolution training into existing community frameworks, the program has created lasting change that transcends its immediate participants. Hundreds of young people have gone on to lead successful lives after completing training through YVPC-Denver. Today, they are leading advocates for peace in their communities.
Alumni of the program frequently tell us they feel a greater sense of responsibility and leadership after going through it. They draw on their experiences to teach other classmates and schoolchildren about the need to resolve differences without violence. This ripple effect is a prime example of how investing in youth development has notable dividends to the good in all aspects of societal wellness.