Peer2You

What the organization has to say:

“We’re taking a holistic approach to youth gun violence intervention.” Peer2You will be re-launching Peer Talks. A youth discussion group focusing on life skills such as conflict mediation, time management, financial literacy, and selfcare. Peer2You’s summer program includes animal therapy. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Peer2You partner program with Work to Ride, an equestrian organization located in West Fairmount Park where they can learn how to take care of horses. Meetings are held twice a week. On Mondays, students go to Work to Ride, and on Wednesdays, they have workshops within the Intercultural Family Services facility.”

What we found out:

Peer2You Gun Violence Intervention Program, run by Intercultural Family Services in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, provides life skills and mentorship for Philadelphia youth. Peer engagement specialists are trained in Prevention of Long Term Aggression and Anger in Youth (PLAAY), a strategy that works to directly engage school-aged children on preventing gun violence. Program leaders focus on community outreach by providing case management services, hosting school assemblies on gun violence prevention, and coordinating monthly events. The organization offers a free 10-week summer enrichment program that is open to Philly youth ages 12-15. Programming is primarily in West Philadelphia.