City Program Trains Leaders Who Work with At-Risk Children
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DOWNTOWN JACKSON — A city backed program aimed at keeping kids from making bad choices entered its second phase on Thursday. More than a dozen leaders from summer programs that work with at-risk children completed “GRIT” — or Gang Resistance Intervention Training. The program, which is geared toward 5th graders, also teaches students how to avoid peer pressure, sexting and the use of substances like drugs and alcohol. The program was taught last semester in four Jackson-Madison County Schools, but the Jackson Police Department hopes to expand it next year to six schools, including three middle schools. It also teaches kids to “Avoid, escape and resist” when they find themselves in a bad situation, and encourages children to seek out mentors. GRIT is funded by the same federal grant that paid for cameras in high crime areas throughout Jackson.
