This year youth violence continues to dominate the news. The Toronto Community Safety Plan has now identified 13 priority neighbourhoods. LOVE has risen to the challenge and thanks to our supporters, partners and youth, we can proudly show significant achievements in violence prevention. Throughout 2006-2007 LOVE has been working to end youth violence, one youth, one school, one neighbourhood at a time. We have effectively engaged vulnerable youth and given them the training and opportunity to participate in positive personal and community growth. Below are some highlights demonstrating our reach and impact.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• LOVE directly reached over 10,000 community members through violence prevention presentations. Audiences included children, youth and adults whose lives have been impacted by violence.

• 12 violence prevention committees were established providing intensive weekly educational sessions for youth in at-risk in schools, community housing projects and community centers.

• In committees, 224 participating youth, who claimed they were troubled by violence in their lives and neighbourhoods, were giving tools and information to help break the cycle of violence. 2,433 students were reached through the message of students in violence prevention committees

  LOVE ran three comprehensive photojournalism programs, with a total of 48 youth participating. These youth learned through photography and writing how to express themselves in positive ways and how to better cope with the violence that has encircled their lives. There was a 90% participant retention rate.

• The launch of our newest program in Rexdale, at Humber College, is the beginning of our localized Rexdale initiative. The Photojournalism program incorporated advanced digital technology training. Click here for a gallery of the photos by our youth.

• A total of 40 youth participated in weekly leadership training sessions. They learned how to draw on their history with violence and effectively communicate to their peers and other community members, reality-based solutions to violence.

• Two community photojournalism exhibits were held. Over 600 people viewed the exhibit and heard the violence prevention messages of the LOVE youth. The comprehensive media coverage of these events helped us reach many 1000's of people through out the city.

“LOVE gave me the gift of meeting people who have been through similar and painful experiences. It gave me the strength, courage and support to move on and help other youth. LOVE gave me a voice, and opportunities to express myself through writing, photography, dance, spoken word in positive ways to release the emotions I have. LOVE is a safe place from the danger of our corrupted streets.”
Anonymous, LOVE Youth Leader