For most people, being a mother of 8 and a grandmother of 13 would be quite enough but, Diane Latiker, of the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, has extended her mentoring of young people to include hundreds of vulnerable youth in her community. She has opened her home to gang members, has listened to them, and heard their hopes and dreams for a better life. As one young person states, it is "as easy to pick up a gun as it is to pick up a book" in their experience, where the sound of gunshots is a daily occurrence. Ms.Latiker's efforts have led to the development of a safe place for youth to congregate through her non-profit, Kids Off the Block. She is helping these young people to realize that their lives need not be just about violence and she exhorts us all to "Please don't give up on our young people."

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  • Learn more about Kids Off the Block
  • Read the inspirational story of Rudy Corpuz's efforts to prevent youth violence
  • Connect with a local Boys and Girls Club or similar youth organization and offer your time and talents in support of young people. 

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