Peacemakers work to stem violence in GR

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) - Peacemakers are planning on taking back the streets.

The mens organization will soon be in Grand Rapids neighborhoods and their mission is to curb youth violence.

Gun violence at the hands of Grand Rapids teenagers. It's scenes like that an organization of men is aimed at preventing.

They're known as the Peacemakers and they will walk the neighborhood streets this summer working to get to know residents in an attempt to make an impact on the lives of youth.

"We are not enforcers. We are there to deter, to talk to people and to get people to talk to each other," said Bishop Walter Durham.

"You give them hope by showing them opportunities. That's why I mentioned scholarships, chance to get a part time job this summer. Those types of things give them hope," said Grand Rapids Commissioner James White.

The Peacemakers held a training session Saturday at Divine Grace Church in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Police Lt. Ralph Mason stopped by to show his support.

"I think that's the best thing we can do as citizens is get involved," said Mason.

There is a group of teens in Grand Rapids already making a positive difference in their community.
A room full of them gathered at the Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church as part of "Random Act of Kindness Day."

"There's a lot of young people here. I think we try and help do what we can sometimes," said Christine Kilgore.

The event developed out of the Weed and Seed program has area youth participating in nearly a dozen community activities Saturday from cleaning up trash in neighborhoods, visiting with seniors and participating with the Michigan Community Blood Center in an area blood drive.

"They are volunteering. This is not mandated. They're doing this on their own," said Tina Kilgore.

The Peacemakers organization is in its second year. They say they will work in small teams and plan on hitting Grand Rapids streets sometime in July.