Community gathers to discuss ways to prevent youth violence [Video]

The event also gave young people a chance to be heard on the subject.

The focus was to highlight resources for the community and identifying gaps that can be addressed.

It also gave young people an opportunity to have their voices heard, sharing ideas about what they need.

Organizers with the Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition say helping kids starts with this kind of networking.

“Today is just about fostering that connection and that open conversation because it all starts with a conversation,” said Shalise Truxler,

The Youth Violence Prevention Coalition is made up of dozens of organizations, including businesses, schools and health care providers.

“I’ve been putting in work for a long time in order to get to this point,” said Ralph Durrett, Jr., who was hired for the new position.

According to Durrett, his focus is to meet youth where they are.

“My priority is engaging the …