The Let’s Connect Youth Collaborative (LCYC) is a joint effort between community stakeholder organizations currently serving approximately 450 youth and families across Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas zip codes most affected by increases in incidents of youth violence: 76036, 76104, 76105, 76112, 76116, 76119, 76120, 76133. According to the Fort Worth Report, 19 kids under the age of 18 died due to gun violence in 2022.  In taking a closer look at the data, 17 of the 19 kids were male, 13 of the victims were Black, 3 were Hispanic, 2 were White, and 1 victim’s race was unknown. The youngest victim in Tarrant County was 5 years old. The issue of youth gun violence in Fort Worth is one that demands strategic and collaborative transformative action. According to recent data provided by the CDC, deaths from gun-related injuries in Tarrant County youth surpassed deaths from car crashes in 2017.

Youth engaged in interactions of violence often face numerous social and economic challenges, such as poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and lack of social support. These factors create an environment that is conducive to violence and criminal activities. The primary mission of the LCYC is to reduce and prevent youth gun violence in Fort Worth by providing opportunities for young people to engage through collective efforts that center around education, training, holistic development, advocacy, and programming. According to Southwest Human Development, cultural appreciation and awareness contribute to building a positive self-image, as well as developing a strong foundation of belonging and acceptance through cultural celebration and education.  Acknowledging an individual’s culture helps to create a diverse social network while transitioning into adulthood. LCYC promotes early education and health development for young children, school and community collaborations throughout the city, as well as providing mentors and internship opportunities by aligning a broad range of supports and opportunities for all residents within the City of Fort Worth.

According to the Stanford Social Innovation Review, large-scale social change requires broad cross-sector coordination, yet the social sector remains focused on the isolated intervention of individual organizations. Members of LCYC understand the need for service providers to work together to meet the needs of our most vulnerable youth populations and their families. The organizations that have been identified to participate in the LCYC are currently working in their area of expertise within the City of Fort Worth and will work together to have a larger impact within the city. LCYC will focus on the following four priority areas: Community Engagement, Mental Health & Family Wellness, College & Career Readiness, and Early Childhood Development.

The initiative aims to:

1. Create safe and supportive environments through youth-centered activities, mentorship programs, and establishing positive relationships among targeted populations.

2. Provide education and training programs that promote conflict resolution, anger management, and problem-solving skills to prevent youth from engaging in violent behavior.

3. Increase access to mental health services and support for at-risk youth, including counseling, therapy, support groups, and leadership opportunities.

4. Promote community involvement and engagement to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and youth, leading to increased trust and cooperation.

LCYC is a comprehensive initiative in Fort Worth, TX, designed to combat the rise in gun violence and youth involvement in shootings. The collaboration focuses on four key areas: Prevention, Intervention, Suppression, and Reentry, with the goal of providing holistic support to individuals and families in need.