Experts agree that disengagement (not being enrolled in school or being under-employed) can be a key factor in youth violence, and this number appears to be on the rise in central Iowa.

Safe & Thriving is based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of youth violence and provides targeted interventions to prevent it. The initiative includes a range of programs and services, such as mentoring, counseling, job training, and educational opportunities, that are designed to support young people and help them build the skills and resilience they need to succeed.

Youth Opportunities:

This community-led coalition mobilized by United Way of Central Iowa has compiled several opportunities for youth that can be viewed and applied for by following the buttons below:

If your program or organization would like to get involved in providing opportunities to central Iowa's youth, please follow the buttons to fill out the form below.