ECHO PARK : Service Group Seeks Gangs’ Participation

In an effort to decrease gang activity in the community, a youth and family service group has expanded its counseling programs to specifically address gang members and their families.

El Centro del Pueblo hopes in one year to reach 80 gang members in Echo Park and surrounding communities through a $100,000 grant from the state’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning, said Sandra L. Figueroa, El Centro executive director.

“We actually will have staff to go out into the street and help these kids, give options and improve their lives,” Figueroa said.

Since its founding 20 years ago, El Centro del Pueblo has served a yearly average of 3,000 teen-agers and young adults in the community, ages 13 to 25, she said. They either walked in for help or were referred by local agencies.

Figueroa estimates that 80% are usually troubled teens or gang members.

With a 27-member staff, the facility at 1157 Lemoyne St. offers alcohol and drug prevention seminars, one-on-one counseling and job training to youths and families. El Pueblo also houses a Los Angeles school district continuation school.

The grant has allowed El Centro to hire two new counselors this month who will work specifically with gang members and their families. Before, El Centro only had three counselors who met with any teen who needed help.

The new staff members will meet with gang members and their families to discuss alternatives to violence for resolving differences, Figueroa said.

Counselors will also refer clients to continuation high school classes or job training programs.