At a special meeting on March 5, 2009, members of the B.M.C. Durfee High School Peaceful Coalition invited direct care youth workers from the City to hear what they felt works and doesn't work for gang prevention and intervention.. The youth discussed some of the reasons that they were involved, or weren't involved in gangs, and the positive impact that programs like Peaceful Coalition and CD Recreation has had on their lives. The Peaceful Coalition presentation was a Fall River Shannon Initiative event that invited direct care youth workers to hear from Peaceful Coalition members what works and what doesn't work for gang prevention and intervention. For more information about the group, contact student advisor Paul Leite at 508.675.8100, Ext. 1112. (Photos courtesy of Brendan Sullivan)
 

(Top row, left) Rudy Joseph, center, talks about his involvement in the Peaceful Coalition. (Top row, center) Peaceful Coalition staffer Ine Ogagan discusses her role in the Peaceful Coalition's community-based programs. (Top row, right) Coalition member listen to advisors Paul Leite and Ine Ogagan talk about the positive aspects of the group. (Middle row, left) Bryan Carbajalreceives a certificate of accomplishment from Durfee High School Associate Principal Paul Marshall.(Middle row, right) Advisor Paul Leite gives an overview of the Coalition. (Bottom row, left) Ronnie Chhot and Pheaktra Sambun listen as Vechetkar Chea discusses the positive impact that Peaceful Coalition has had on his life. (Bottom row, center) Coalition advisors Paul Leite and Tom Khoury discuss what works and what doesn't work when working with youth at-risk for gang involvement. (Bottom row, right) William Horne of the Old Colony Y looks on as current and former members Ronnie Chhot, Pheaktra Sambun and Vechetkarchear discuss how gangs have affected their lives.