SAFER Latinos Project Addresses Community Problems in Langley Par

April 2011

            The SAFER Latinos Project is a program implemented by the Latin American Youth Center of Washington, DC, to address the youth about violence in Langley Park by focusing on the community and outside conditions that causes it. The “SAFER” in SAFER Latinos stands for Seguridad, Apoyo, Familia, Educacion, y Recursos, which is translated to Safety, Support, Family, Education, and Resources. The project is in partnership with many organizations like the George Washington University Department of Prevention and Community Health, the Latino Federation of Greater Washington; (the LAYC-MMYC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is funding the project.

LAYC Background

            According to its website, The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) has over 40 years of experience providing a variety of services to youth and young adults in the District of Columbia. Its main office is located at 1419 Columbia Road in NW Washington, DC. In 2010, LAYC provided academic, employment and social services to 2,577 District residents and served residents in all eight of DC’s wards. It also sponsors many Maryland programs in Langley Park and Silver Spring. Its Langley Park office is located at 7411 Riggs Road in Hyattsville, MD.

            LAYC depends on donors to sustain its programs and facilities. Cynthia Diehm, a long time contributor of LAYC and its programs, had this to say about LAYC, “I trust its leadership to provide excellent services to young people.” Danya International Inc., an organization dedicated to making a social impact on child and family health and early childhood education has also been a longtime supporter of LAYC, says founder Dr. Jeffery A. Hoffman Ph.D.

Violence Statistics

            According to a report from CDC’s, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control homicide is the second leading cause of death for Latino youth between the ages of 10 to 24. Because of this, SAFER Latinos addresses youth violence, an ongoing issue of serious concern, specifically referring to violence perpetrated by youth ages 10 to 24 years. Few programs target broader community-level factors, including the prevalence of violent “street codes,” availability of weapons and the degree of community efficacy and advocacy. With this in mind, the SAFER Latinos program is an attempt to “build evidence for outcomes and impacts resulting from a multilevel, participatory model tailored to the specific circumstances of Central American immigrants and communities,” according to the report. In Prince George's County, where Langley Park is located, Latinos now account for 21% of all homicides investigated by county police, and were victims in 10 of the 24 homicides reported between March and May of 2008. Because of this, SAFER implements several initiatives like social promoters of safety, peer advocators, drop-in centers, as well as, community events and media activity efforts.

Testimonials

Anthony Young, a 19 year student at the LAYC/Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers (MMYC) in Silver Spring, seeking his GED said this about his experience at LAYC/MMYC, “Prior to my experience with LAYC/MMYC, it was hard for me to learn in a traditional high school and I often made poor decisions.  I dropped out of school and began drinking and partying with my peers. I realized I needed a change and something better for myself along with more individual guidance.  I enrolled in the MMYC program seeking more support. The staff were very supportive and have helped me set goals and structure for learning.  I see the MMYC staff as a big part of my life because they are present for more than just education; they help me with my career goals and they are there emotionally when I need them.  I have benefited tremendously.  Without the program I probably would not be on the path I’m on at this point.”