A Fresno gathering is hoping to prevent some of the recent violent crimes that have been hitting the news lately. It's called Lifting Latinos Up. Organizers say stories like the one dominating the news Wednesday are great examples of why the entire valley needs to join its mission.
According to the National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute, Latinos make up the majority of the population of both juvenile detention centers and prisons here in the united states. That statement really hits home here in the valley where the majority of our total population is Latino. And that is exactly why this group wants to lift them up.
"We must work hard to support them. But must also recognize the families that are working hard to provide for their families. And in most cases, doing so with very little support."
Dozens of valley community and civic leaders gathered at Arte Americas to begin to lay the foundation of what they hope is life-changing solutions. Starting, as they say, from the root-straps. They know they can help all Latinos change their futures.
"The important thing is if we don't address this now, we pass it on to our children and our grandchildren. We pass on the pain and legacies of hurt."
The big question remains, how can this happen? Resources continue to remain stretched thin. But that's why, this group says, everyone needs to do a little and do that right now.
Institute leaders also tell KSEE24 the victims, like the 10-year-old girl in the kidnapping and sexual assault case, must not be forgotten. They say they need just as much help and healing in order build a more positive foundation for the valley's future.
TXT 24
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