PLATFORM : Purest of Problems

Think about it, where does the (gang) problem really begin? When you’re little. If you deal with it then, you don’t have the problem in junior high or high school.

It’s the purest of counseling. We deal with the purest of problems that come from home--no clothing, parents without jobs, so on.

The components of my program, No. 1, is bring kids to school. Some children have horrible attendance rates. I go to their homes like a detective. I call them or their parents every day. We find out the reason--no clothes, neglect, whatever it is--and correct it.

The second component is, I keep them in my counseling, both individual and group. I keep after them and attend to their needs. When they see that someone cares, they’re not as afraid anymore. There’s not as much chance they’ll go into a gang.

I’ve had children that are involved in gangs. I make them realize they have to love themselves. I ask them, “What am I worth if the gang means more than me?”