Summer initiative to provide safe spaces for Dayton teens

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – A community initiative in northwest Dayton is aiming to give teens positive and safe spaces this summer.
Youth violence in Dayton has risen rapidly in the last year, with a fourfold increase in juvenile homicides and a 56% surge in felonious assaults involving young people.
Dayton Public Schools offers support after 18-year-old shot and killed downtown
A pilot project,'The Hope Zone RE-LITE NiTE,' will be led by the Community Engagement of Religious Organizations in partnership with the Omega Community Development Corporation. This program will offer a selection of safe, structured and engaging evening activities for teens from May through August.
The weekly RE-LITE NiTE events will be from 2-7 p.m. at the following locations:
Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church on Tuesdays
Northwest Recreation Center on Thursdays
Highlights of the program will include:
Weekly meals
Live DJs
An open gym and basketball nights
Science, technology, engineering and math workshops
Arts and cooking activities
Mental health support
A teen ambassador leadership program
Pastor Daryl Ward, project Leader and founder of the CERO network, stressed the importance of creating welcoming spaces for teens.
'This initiative reflects what our churches can do when we come together,' said Ward. 'Our youth need safe places where they are welcome, and this program is one way we can meet that need.'
Omega CDC leads the Hope Zone Promise Neighborhood and will serve as the fiscal agent and coordinating organization. It will handle staffing, logistics, data collection and the program's execution.
The program will be funded by Omega CDC's Hope Zone Promise Neighborhood grant. Both the City of Dayton and The Dayton Foundation will provide additional support.
'This is a youth-centered effort rooted in faith, community, and listening,' said Vanessa Ward, president of Omega CDC. 'Our role is to support CERO's vision by coordinating resources and removing barriers so this work can flourish.'
To learn more about the CERO group's work in Dayton, visit the Omega Baptist Church website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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