Peoria outreach program aims to help young men with conflict resolution - Heart of Illinois ABC

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PEORIA (Heart of Illinois ABC) - Twice a week at Peoria’s Carver Center, you’ll hear about two dozen feet playing on the basketball courts, but basketball isn’t the only game they are learning. They’re also learning the game of life.

“I’m teaching them to be peaceful, productive and positive,” Executive director of the May I Community Outreach program Carl Holloway said.

Holloway started the May I Community Outreach program to teach boys ages eight through 17 about handling life in a positive way.

“We pick a topic each week. For the last couple of weeks, it’s been resolving conflict without violence. What we’re trying to do is create a safe space,” Holloway said.

For the boys in the program, they say what they learn is not only life changing but it could be lifesaving.

“We should talk it out more instead of just going straight to violence and killing each other and fighting each other because there are more positive ways of getting something through,” 17-year-old member Khalil Jackson said.

After witnessing fights at local sporting events, Jackson said he attributes the program to his ability to know when to walk away.

“I wish I had this when I was a kid, because now I see why people say don’t grow up too fast, don’t get in the mix with the wrong crowd with the wrong people,” Jackson said.

Conflict resolution is just one factor. The program also teaches financial literacy, personal development, and entrepreneurship, among other things.

“They want it. They just want to make sure it’s cool to want it. I think we’re going to have to be creative to make peace be cool,” Holloway said.

To learn more about the program click here.

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