Stop the Violence in Alexandria helps youth stay in school and teaches life skills

Frederick Burgess, executive director of Stop the Violence in Alexandria, has been actively creating safe spaces for youth as part of his mission to combat crime and gun violence. Now he’s asking for help to keep the program alive.

“When I started, all this money was coming out of my pocket and my wife’s pocket to try to help these kids. You know, feed them and make sure they had supplies and clothes for school.”

Burgess began getting sponsors to help cover the extra costs, and one of the main ones was the Hixon Ford dealership where Burgess works, and 3-4 children got jobs at the dealership.

Currently, the after-school sports program is not active. The Charles Hayward Activity Center, where basketball was played, is requesting more funding so Burgess can continue to host the program on its premises.

“It shouldn’t be about money. It should be about… coming in, setting up your program and keeping these kids off the streets.”

By focusing on these safe spaces, Burgess aims to build resilience and empowerment in young people, helping them overcome challenges and avoid the pitfalls of violence and crime.

“When you have an outlet for kids to express themselves, you keep them out of trouble, but if you don’t have an outlet for them, they’ll get into trouble.”

Stop the Violence in Alexandria serves about 400 students per month through the after-school program and has helped more than a thousand young people in the city gain life skills and education.

To donate, visit StopTheViolence.us