The New Hanover County Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence (BRC) was formed in 2008 to address growing concerns about youth violence in our area. The BRC is an unprecedented collaborative of various elected, faith-based and other community leaders, as well as individuals with extensive knowledge of the ongoing problems associated with youth violence.

The City of Wilmington and surrounding counties have experienced dramatically higher rates of violent crime than both state and national averages for more than a decade. Because of this increase, the New Hanover County Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence is approaching the issue of youth violence on several levels by providing leadership and resources, involving community and faith-based organizations, schools, mental health and human service organizations and many non-profits to take action and collaborate, focusing on the needs of children and families identified as at-risk. Although the BRC works with youth serving organizations that are involved with research, prevention, intervention and enforcement of youth violence, its focus is on efforts that prevent violent behaviors in youth.

The Youth Enrichment Zone, YEZ, was identified as a target geographic area in the City of Wilmington that is now being served by the BRC. The Zone is a project modeled after the Harlem Children's Zone. Our goal is to transform communities one block, one area at a time by identifying, coordinating and making community resources available to families to help connect needed services and reduce youth violence, thus creating a safer, more caring environment for children and families...READ MORE >>