DEAR EDITOR:
There is a tremendous and valuable resource in our community of
which many people are unaware.
DEAR EDITOR:
There is a tremendous and valuable resource in our community of which many people are unaware. That resource is the Gilroy Gang Task Force. Founded in 1993 by then mayor, Don Gage, the Gilroy Gang Task Force has been instrumental in the prevention and abatement of gang activity in Gilroy.
Since its inception, the GGTF, which consists of a group of community agencies and citizens, has worked hard to achieve its stated mission (or goals) of preserving Gilroy’s quality of life, safe from gang violence and intimidation and to minimize the impact of gang activity. As a non-profit organization, the GGTF has engaged in fundraising efforts each year to support the Gilroy Youth Center. Additionally, GGTF augments other local youth programs, including, MACSA activities, the Gilroy Family Resource Center’s Youth Leadership Program, Choose Life Ministries’ youth center, and others, to provide a variety of healthy activities for school-age children.
One annual fundraising event is the Tee Off for Youth Golf Tournament, which raises thousands of dollars each year that goes to the GGTF, to provide direct support to youth programs. Other donation drives have included the raffle of a motorcycle donated by Indian Motorcycles and a toy drive that occurs each winter.
Some of the programs and activities the Gang Task Force supports include the annual “Safe Night” event held at San Ysidro Park for children and families, educational field trips for local youth groups, and ongoing activities such as a Grief and Loss support group at South Valley Middle School, and educational programs provided by local law enforcement agencies.
The GGTF has worked behind the scenes, meeting monthly to discuss the local gang “climate,” interventions which have been used effectively, problem spots in the area, strategies that are being utilized, and most importantly, which programs are working pro-actively with youth to engage them in making positive choices and leading healthy lifestyles.
Member agencies of the GGTF include the City of Gilroy, Gilroy Police Department, Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, Gilroy Unified School District, MACSA, Gilroy Family Resource Center, Community Solutions, Victory Outreach, the New Hope Church, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others. Many of these agencies sit on the GGTF board, and officers are elected each year at an annual retreat where plans, ideas and strategies are brainstormed for the upcoming year.
GGTF members are available to speak at schools, organizations and meetings to help educate others about the phenomenon of gang activity, some of the history and causes of gang-related behavior, what to be aware of, and how to work toward education, prevention, early intervention and suppression of gang activity. A big part of that is working to strengthen the young people of a community, together with their families, to support them in making healthy choices, and ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities.
The Gilroy community has a history of working together collaboratively, and the Gilroy Gang Task Force is no exception. This exciting partnership brings out the best and brightest of those in Gilroy who are committed to making this town a safer place to live, with a healthy environment for all.
Those interested in learning more about the GGTF, may call John Garcia, executive director, at (408) 846-0460.
Elena Maria Burn, Gilroy
President, Gilroy Gang Task Force
Submitted Wednesday, Sept. 17 to ed****@****ic.com
