Developing Practices and Interventions to Address Violence in Our Communities

COURSE OVERVIEW
In 2009 the U.S. Department of Justice estimated that there were 30,000 distinct gangs with over 800,000 members significantly impacting at least 2,500 communities across the United States.  Los Angeles has been dubbed the “Gang Capital of America” with an estimated 150,000 gang members. 
In recent years Los Angeles has developed many programs to address gangs and gang activity including gang abatement, injunctions, social programs and early intervention.  Few programs have been as successful in ‘rehabilitating’ gang members as the privately founded and developed Homeboy Industries which is the brainchild of Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J.  Homeboy Industries has it roots in ‘Jobs for a Future’ and Fr. Greg’s philosophy that “Nothing Stops a Bullet Like a Job”.
“Developing Practices and Interventions to Address Violence in Our Communities” will address issues of the gang culture in Los Angeles as well as developing practices for personal safety in the home and on our streets.

Course Objectives
To understand and develop strategies in working with gang members and in gang     neighborhoods
To explore the dynamics behind gang participation
To explore the role of family in gang participation
To develop strategies for personal safety and crime prevention through experiential and group participation

PRESENTERS

Father Gregory Boyle, S.J. is a Jesuit priest and founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries, the Los Angeles agency that helps gang members leave gangs by helping them with job training, employment, tattoo removal, mental health and case management services.  Fr. Greg has provided ministry to jail, prison and juvenile hall inmates as well as to parishioners in East Los Angeles at Delores Mission Church.   Fr. Greg Boyle was born in Los Angeles, graduated from Loyola High School, received his BA in English from Gonzaga University, an MA in English from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Divinity from the Weston School of Theology, and a Sacred Theology Masters degree from the Jesuit School of Theology.  Prior to becoming Pastor of Dolores Mission, he taught at Loyola High School and worked with Christian Base Communities in Cochabamba, Bolivia. 

Homeboy/Homegirl Staff  TBA

Bob Byrnes received a degree in Economics from SDSU.  For the past 10 years Bob has spoken to over 75,000 people in schools, Fortune 500 companies and government agencies about crime prevention in a dynamic, entertaining and interactive manner.
 
CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION:  This training meets the criteria for four (4) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for LCSWs & MFTs as approved by California Board of Behavioral Science provider # PCE4052 and RNs & LVNs as approved by California Board of Registered Nurses provider # CEP6770.

AGENDA
8:30-9:00
Registration & Continental Breakfast

9:00-9:15
Welcome & Introduction

9:15-10:15
The Power of Boundless Compassion–Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J.                     

10:15-11:15
Personal Experiences of a Gang Member--Homeboy/Homegirl Staff

11:15-11:30
Break

11:30-12:30
“Laugh Yourself Safe: Empowering Yourself Against Crime”-An Experiential Exercise--Bob Byrnes

12:30-1:00
Wrap-up

12:30-1:00
Questions & Wrap-up

REGISTRATION
Click HERE for registration form

REGISTRATION FEE:  $40.00-includes Continental Breakfast
Mail Registration Form & Check for $40.00 to:
Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital
4211 S. Avalon Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Attention:  Peggy Grace, LCSW
QUESTIONS?: e-mail p_grace@kedrenmentalhealth.org
SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER BY Oct. 4, 2011


CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations must be in writing and received no later than Oct. 4, 2011.  Refunds will be in full minus a $25.00 handling fee.