The purpose of the project `o KE ALA maluhia (the peaceful way) is to create safer communities by targeting the highest-risk youth who are prone to extreme violence and gang activity in targeted…

The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $2,000,000 Project Grant under the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CFDA 16.045) to Adult Friends For Youth (AFY), a non-profit organization in Honolulu, Hawaii. The purpose of the "O Ke Ala Maluhia (The Peaceful Way)" project is to create safer communities by targeting high-risk youth prone to extreme violence and gang activity in disadvantaged communities in Oahu. The project utilizes four complementary programs: Redirectional Therapy Counseling, a Mobile Assessment Center, a Mobile Education Center, and a Student Anti-Violence Convention. These initiatives aim to address the mental/emotional health needs of high-risk youth, divert them from the juvenile justice system, provide educational support, and prevent school and community violence. Key activities include street outreach, youth engagement, assessment, counseling, and experiential learning opportunities. The project period runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2027.

The purpose of the project `o KE ALA maluhia (the peaceful way) is to create safer communities by targeting the highest-risk youth who are prone to extreme violence and gang activity in targeted disadvantaged communities in oahu. Over 90% of the youth the agency works with come from historically marginalized communities that include but are not limited to native hawaiian, micronesian/chuukese, samoan, and asian/filipino. High-risk youth are defined by their history and potential for extreme violence, as well as those who are gang-affiliated. To achieve the goals of the project, the agency will utilize four programs that complement each other which are both intervention and prevention-based. The redirectional therapy counseling program addresses the mental/emotional health needs of the highest-risk youth to reduce/terminate their violence and destructive behaviors. The mobile assessment center diverts high-risk youth from entering the juvenile justice system. IT also addresses the root causes of their destructive and risky behavior. The mobile education center is used to provide the highest-risk youth with educational support services to prevent academic failure and provide them with a constructive outlet, as well as help to build them a pathway to a better future. The student anti-violence convention is aimed and younger students and helps prevent school and community violence. Expected outcomes are safer schools and communities for all residents. Key project activities include but are not limited to: 1) street outreach; 2) youth engagement; 3) assessment; 4) counseling services (including 24/7 crisis intervention, and mediation services), 5) educational support services; and 6) experiential learning opportunities.