By establishing relationships with at-risk teens, Clubs provide them services they need to keep their lives on track.
In the early 1990s, Boys and Girls Clubs of America officials were hearing more and more about increased gang activity from its local Clubs. Spurred by this news, BGCA began working with youth at risk of joining gangs or already in gangs.
Drawing on experience with juvenile delinquency prevention, the programs Gang Prevention Through Targeted Outreach, and Gang Intervention Through Targeted Outreach were established.
These Targeted Outreach programs identify and recruit delinquent youth or those at risk of delinquency, into ongoing Club programs and activities. By first establishing relationships with them, Clubs can then provide them with services they need to keep or get their lives on track.