Anti-Gang Program Offers Hope to Single Mother

Lourdes Lopez and her two children sleep through gunshots at night.

The family’s single-bedroom, stucco home in Boyle Heights is located in an area where more than 30 gangs operate, according to police.

The single mother said she could only hope that her children don’t get reeled into the deadly violence of gang warfare. “There are drive-by shootings and drug dealers near my house,” said the 33-year-old Spanish-speaking mother. “I want my children to value themselves and respect others. I want them to learn to say no to gangs and drugs.”

So Lopez enrolled 8-year-old Emmanuel and 6-year-old Stephanie for a Hope in Youth anti-gang program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Hope in Youth is a church-based, nonprofit program launched in 1993 to reduce gang violence by offering leadership classes, support groups and recreational activities for families.

“I learned to respect one another and that others respect you, too,” Emmanuel said. Through the program, her children will play soccer, take a field trip to Cabrillo Beach and read books this summer. Lopez will assist coordinators in summer youth projects.

“There are opportunities [through Hope in Youth] that foster family unity so they can become productive citizens in the community and not damage property,” Lopez said.

Lopez and her children completed a 20-week program that helps parents resolve domestic problems that could lead to gang involvement by their children. Lopez took courses in communication skills and leadership development. Her children were paired with a mentor and were tutored in math, spelling and English.

The sessions, run by three bilingual instructors, are taught three to five times each week at area libraries, schools and community centers. Hope in Youth, supported by public grants and private donations, operates in 10 sites throughout Los Angeles. For information call (213) 265-2353.