'We are resource rich': Summer of Healing initiative works to fight rise in youth gun violence

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — This year alone, 54 kids under the age of 18 have been affected by gun violence in the city of Milwaukee, that's according to the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Now that summer is in full swing, the city of Milwaukee is working to prevent youth gun violence by keeping kids busy and out of trouble.

"We believe the idle mind wanders, which is one of the reasons why we developed the 'Summer of Healing' it is truly a violence prevention measure," said Yasmine Morton, ReCAST Program Manager, Office of Wellness and Safety.

The Office of Community Wellness and Safety (OCWS) launched the "Summer of Healing" initiative earlier this month.

"For the youth that are having youth to youth gun violence that is occurring, I think it's more, so they don't have things to do," Morton explained.

To combat this, OCWS has partnered with 12 organizations around city like the United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee or UNCOM.

"We are resource rich in the community. We just need to match kids with the program that serves them best," said Renée Logee, Executive Director, UNCOM.

The array of programs ranges from sports, arts and even learning about the environment.

"Kids need structure, kids need to be busy, and that's what our stuff can offer the community," said Logee.

OCWS says eviction, unemployment and limited access to behavioral and mental health services play a major role in gun violence.

UNCOM say kids are breaking into cars looking for guns.

"It's really important to lock your car, and have a gun lock," said Logee.

"It's easy access for kids because most of the time you hear the community say I had wallet I had cash I had credit cards, but they didn't touch those because that's not what they're looking for," said Morton.

UNCOM serves 60,000 kids every year they say it's on everyone to keep kids safe.

"You have to build your network, build your tribe, build your group, because we are all in this together. Seek help watching your youth," said Logee.

UNCOM says one of the most important things you can do is lock up your guns, they have free gun locks, and you can get one, no questions, at any of their 10 locations.

To learn more about UNCOM click here.