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    Violence is a public health problem that can be understood and changed. Research over the past 2 decades has demonstrated that violence can be prevented and that, in some cases, prevention programs are more cost-effective. Within the last two decades, we've seen the weapon of choice among teenagers go from fist to pocketknife to gun. According to the Children's Defense Fund, one American child died from a gunshot wound every hour and a half. Our youngsters are killing one another and we have got to do something to stop them

    Kingdom Life Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit 501 c 3 ministry. Created in 2002 by Pastors Daniel & Doriane Parker (a brother sister team) as an outreach and extension ministry. Located at 2627 44th street, Kentwood, MI, we are a non-denomination, multi-cultural ministry. We are passionate about the needs of the children and families in Grand Rapids. The STOP GR VIOLENCE is a demonstration of our commitment and desire to be a beacon in the community.

    Violence in Grand Rapids has reached epidemic proportions. Today, most families in this community are touched directly or indirectly by violent acts committed by youth. The epidemic that has translated to a local pandemic in our city does not belong to a single economic, racial, cultural, religious, denomination group. Though a few zip codes may see the fierce reciprocation of this problem, the ripple visits West Michigan as whole.

    We are requesting your support of our Stop GR Violence Program. This multi-faceted program is designed to provided a full course media campaign with a “STOP the VIOLENCE” message. This message is geared towards, inner city youth, ages 14 – 18. Specifically we want to target youth who may have the following risk factors failing grades, excessive juvenile delinquent behavior, lack of adult supervision, adolescent sexual activities, involvement in gang and introduction and usage of a drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

    Kingdom Life Ministries along with the local community understands the need to raise awareness, find a solution, and implement the plan in our community. The media, as well as the streets indicate that youth violence, gang activity, and violent crimes are increasing with no sight of hope. Grand Rapids, MI is in desperate need of community intervention to reduce the violence and gang related activity that is occurring in the city. Without such intervention it has been predicted that the summer of 2007 will be one of the worst in violence and bloodshed for our youth in the streets of Grand Rapids.

    Precise estimates may be difficult to obtain but the cost of violence translates into billions of US dollars and annual health care expenditures. In the United States one study estimated the direct and indirect annual costs of gunshot wounds at $126 billion and cutting wounds at $51 billion. However, we also understand that the human cost in grief and pain cannot be calculated. A dollar amount cannot be placed on the life of a teenager that is taken prematurely. We believe that gang violence can be prevented and its impact significantly reduced. This reduction can happen the same way that public health efforts have prevented and reduced pregnancy complications, workplace injuries, and infectious diseases. Education is the answer.

    The Objective of this program is to deter and educate youth on the consequences of being involved in youth “gangs” or participation in violent activities and or behaviors. It is our goal that we can:

• Decrease the number of youth participating in gang related activities or incidents.
• Reduces crime, delinquency, gang involvement, substance abuse and violence.
• Reduce the number of youth in the juvenile justice system
• Raise awareness about the consequence of youth violence
• Provide a quality prevention program for youth violence.

    The plan is to release this campaign in late May early June in order to reach the targeted population prior to the summer months. It is during these months that the crime and assault rates rise because youth are unsupervised and have nothing constructive to do. We understand the devastation and loss that violence can produce. Every year more than a million people lose their lives and many more suffer immense injuries as a result of self-inflicted, interpersonal or community violence. Overall it is among the leading causes of death worldwide for people aged 15-44 years.1 This campaign could save the lives and future of youth in Grand Rapids.

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