This week, following our recent report on the defacing of a Norwood mural allegedly by gang members, we asked readers if they or any children in their extended family have been approached about joining a gang, and how the family responded.

 

“I had a younger brother who joined years ago in the 2000s. Yes, he got away from it, and he turned his life around and became a teacher. I think it’s a big problem for kids. I dealt with gangs too, but in the situation today, the kids are misled, and people join because of family issues or whatever the case may be, but it’s not the right way to go. Even if you’re down with a gang, you can always turn your life around.”

Zoa Briggs,

Bedford Park 

“My son said they did ask him if he wanted to join [a] gang and he said, ‘No.’ He told me, ‘Mommy, they asked me to join the gang, but I said no because you taught me well.’”

Nancy Melendez,

Allerton

“I have no children in my immediate family but if someone was asked, rather than join a gang, maybe join an Outbound Program, the Goodwill Rebound program. A lot of gang members don’t like the police; maybe become a police officer. They could join the Explorer’s Program or the Police Athletic League. I think gangs are a widespread problem.”

Rachel Tantaro,

Bedford Park

“Basically, when my sons were in high school, they were approached but were able to politely decline because of their mother’s influence and family values. But they have classmates that they went to school with who are gang-affiliated and the parents don’t even know.”

Jim Nasium,

Riverdale

“A child in the family was asked to join but didn’t accept. We didn’t find out immediately, but we saw changes in behavior and after many discussions, we finally found out. Because of the circumstances, it was decided that the best thing for the child was to go somewhere else to finish high school and to stay away from New York for a, couple of years.”

Sheila Sanchez,

Williamsbridge

 

Editor’s Note: NYS (NY Connects) provides the following information on the Goodwill PROS Rebound Program. Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive recovery-oriented program for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.

The goal of the program is to integrate treatment, support and rehabilitation in a manner that facilitates the individual’s recovery.

Goals for individuals in the program are to improve functioning, reduce inpatient utilization, reduce emergency services, reduce contact with the criminal justice system, increase employment, attain higher levels of education and secure preferred housing.

There are four “service components” in the program: Community Rehabilitation and Support (CRS), Intensive Rehabilitation (IR), Ongoing Rehabilitation and Support (ORS) and Clinical Treatment.