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"YES" Looks To Empower Kids For More Peaceful Communities

DETROIT (WWJ) - An after-school and summer program designed by the University of Michigan School of Public Health is doing its part to reduce crime and resolve conflicts without violence.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Gary Lundy reports on what's called the "YES" program: That stands for "Youth Empowerment Solutions" for Peaceful Communities.

It's a program built around the idea that kids can and want to reduce violence, as well as improve their neighborhoods. The concept actually leads to lower crimes, better upkeep of homes without adult support.

The YES program is part of a case study at UM's Prevention Research Center.

Those involved in the study predict the program will have positive results for participants as well as the communities they live in.

Study co-author are Thomas Reischl says that results were encouraging at the individual level, he added. Kids who participated in the YES program were much more likely to report nonviolent conflict avoidance and resolution than those who did not participate. YES participants also reported fewer instances of victimization.

"The effect on the kids was really impressive," Reischl said. "These results are very encouraging."

To find out more about the YES program click on here.

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