Homies Unidos Denver provides violence prevention and gang reduction services in two key areas:
- Character Development Training: A core component of Homies Unidos Denver programming is the delivery of an evidence-based and trauma-informed curriculum – Joven Noble – which promotes positive youth development, enhances leadership, and supports Denver youth to pursue alternatives to crime, drugs and violence. This comprehensive character development curriculum is implemented over ten sessions and guides youth through a “rites of passage” process while focusing on violence prevention and intervention.
- Mentoring: Homies Unidos Denver provides mentoring services and leads community outings that give youth an opportunity for positive socializing with peers and adults. Participating youth get regular one-on-one connections with trusted adults, as well opportunities to engage in activities that may not be often be available to them such as camping, meals out at restaurants, attending professional sports games, and more. As part of the mentoring service area, youth also have the opportunity, with guidance from an adult, to plan and implement community events (such as food drives for families in need). These activities build youth skills in planning and advocacy and offer them the chance to meaningfully support the community.
Recognizing that economic stability is critical for providing youth with alternatives to a life of crime, drugs and violence, Homies Unidos Denver is also working to incorporate financial education components into it programming.
If you are interested in learning more about Homies Unidos programs and how they might support youth in your school, organization, or neighborhood, contact Gerardo Lopez at 720.569.7667 or glopez@homiesunidos.org.
