By Catherine M. Welch
Wilmington, NC – The Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence has unveiled plans for a youth enrichment zone for Wilmington's northside.
Modeled on the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City, Wilmington's Youth Enrichment Zone aims to plug at-risk families into community programs that focus on education, early child care and job training.
Geographically, the zone encompasses the historic northside district where Snipes Elementary and DC Virgo Middle School are located. Organizers say the goal is to help families in this neighborhood keep their kids in school and away from violence.
It is in one of the poorest zip codes in New Hanover County. Historically, the Youth Enrichment Zone covers the corner where the first shots were fired in the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot.
View a map of Wilmington's Youth Enrichment Zone here.
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