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Building a Safer Future: Reducing Youth Violence in Central Iowa

Jan 29, 2025safe-thriving-youth

Youth violence is a pressing issue, and in central Iowa, a powerful new initiative is taking steps to address it head-on. United Way of Central Iowa, alongside a coalition of community members and civic leaders, has officially launched the Safe & Thriving Youth: Central Iowa's Youth Violence Reduction Plan. This comprehensive strategy aims to reduce youth violence, support at-risk youth, and create a safer, more inclusive community for all. 
 
The Journey to the Plan 
Over the past year, United Way of Central Iowa brought together community voices and experts to shape this plan. Facilitated by Cultivating Culture Developing Communities (CCDC), the process included monthly community conversations, a book study, a leadership retreat, and a six-week intensive training program. This collaboration was further supported by funding from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. 
 
“Community violence is a complex issue that requires all of us to work together to create meaningful change,” said Mary Sellers, President of United Way of Central Iowa. “This plan highlights the shared commitment of our community in fostering safer environments for our youth today and in the future.” 
 
What’s in the Plan? 
The Safe & Thriving Youth plan is rooted in collaboration and evidence-based strategies. Here are some of the key components:

    • Enhanced Community Engagement: Building trust and strengthening collaboration between community leaders, law enforcement, government, and social services to provide better support for victims and families.
    • Support and Outreach: Coordinating services to drive systems change with a focus on trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and amplifying voices of those impacted.
    • Promotion of Hope and Belonging: Leveraging grassroots outreach led by trusted community leaders to foster solidarity and resilience.

Measurable Goals for a Safer Community 
The plan sets clear objectives to address the growing concern of youth violence in central Iowa:

    • Reduce the number of gun-related incidents, including shots fired and gun homicides.
    • Decrease the number of young individuals victimized by gun violence.
    • Lower the number of youth arrests and incarcerations for gun-related charges. 

This focus comes at a crucial time. In 2022, Des Moines Police seized a record 780 guns off the streets, many of which were found in the possession of minors. Such alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for a targeted and comprehensive violence prevention strategy. 
 
Community Collaboration is Key 
Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham, who will lead a workgroup on the plan’s implementation, emphasized the importance of community involvement: “We need everyone around the table. Law enforcement can’t do this alone. Community collaboration is critical to giving families peace and hope for a safer future.” 
 
The Bigger Picture 
The Safe & Thriving Youth plan takes a public health approach, focusing on prevention, intervention, and tackling the root causes of violence. By fostering cross-sector collaboration and evidence-based strategies, the plan is designed to make sustainable progress within the next five years. 

A Snapshot of Youth Gun Violence:

    • Firearms became the leading cause of death for U.S. children and adolescents aged 1-19 in 2021, surpassing car accidents and diseases.
    • In Polk County, youth aged 1-24 accounted for 41% of all gun-related deaths in 2022.
    • Between 2019-2023, Polk County saw 284 gun-related hospitalizations and 794 outpatient services.

How You Can Help 
Jacquie Easley McGhee, director of health equity, community, and diversity services at MercyOne and vice chair for early childhood success at United Way of Central Iowa, invites everyone to get involved: “We welcome individuals who share similar goals and concerns for the well-being of our community to join us as we work together for the goal of safe and thriving youth.” 
 
United Way of Central Iowa is committed to ensuring that every child in central Iowa grows up safe, supported, and empowered. To learn more about the plan and find out how you can play a part in creating a safer future for our youth, visit www.unitedwaydm.org/safe-thriving-youth.

Take Action. Get Involved. Stay Connected.

Read the full plan and find out how you can play a part in creating a safer future for our youth.