Summer often brings an increase in violence, especially among teens, so local organizations are working hard to be proactive in preventing violence.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) -  Summer can often bring an increase in violence, especially among teens. Local organizations are working hard to be proactive in preventing violence, instead of responding to incidents after the fact. 

In Springfield, the city has invested in the Teen Empowerment Zone events at Comer Cox Park. City leaders say events like this can connect students to trustworthy adults and teach them to make better choices. 

"Any time you have young people that come from an impoverished community, it's very easy to get slipped into a lifestyle that requires you to carry weapons or be violent," said Ward 2 Alderman Shawn Gregory. "We want to let our youth know that those aren't the routes you have to take. Even in the hardest circumstances, there are people here for you." 

While the weekly event includes a lot of fun activities for kids and teens, it also provides them the chance to learn. Teen leaders and mentors help teach kids financial literacy, entrepreneurship and positive attitudes. 

In Champaign, the city has adopted an overarching plan to tackle violence proactive and react better to specific acts of violence. This includes events after each incident, where community members are welcome to attend, speak their minds and seek help from professionals. 

Betsy Barclay is the Community Relations Specialist for the Equity and Engagement Department of the City of Champaign's Community Safety and Justice Division. Her team also helps coordinate with local organizations that are creating events and opportunities for teens. 

"We do preventative work with people who are trained to address those root causes," said Barclay. "And if we address those, the kids that we work with are less likely to then go out and become involved with gun violence or even re-offend." 

Barclay said they are constantly seeking the public's help to develop the best practices to prevent gun violence and partner with organizations. 

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