Earlier this month, Columbus committed $28 million in funding to support over 100 youth summer programs citywide. These initiatives are designed to reduce youth crime by offering structured activities and mentorship opportunities that provide a positive alternative to unsupervised time during the break from school.
One of the many community organizations participating in this effort is We Are Linden. The group focuses on keeping kids off the streets and helping them find stability through consistent guidance, group activities, and open conversations. Seventeen-year-old Derrielle Whiting, a participant in such a program, shared how it has transformed her life. She said the program keeps her busy in positive ways and allows her to talk about personal issues in a safe space where she feels heard and supported.
According to Whiting, the activities provided by the program are more than just recreational. They foster trust, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. These factors play a critical role in preventing teens from drifting into dangerous environments or engaging in criminal behavior.
Ralph Carter, the founder of We Are Linden, highlighted how free time in the summer can quickly turn into a risk for youth without structured activities. He referred to a recent incident where three teens were found with firearms following a shooting near a pool packed with people. One of the firearms was later identified as having been stolen from a car earlier in the year. Carter noted that teens often break into cars specifically looking for weapons, emphasizing the need for both intervention and accountability.
Carter expressed frustration that repeated offenses among teens are too often dismissed due to their age. He believes stronger consequences may be necessary to prevent further tragedies. While understanding the importance of support and second chances, he also stressed that continuous leniency can lead to irreversible harm—both to the youth involved and to their communities.
Whiting, too, has experienced the devastating consequences of youth violence. She spoke about losing her cousin, someone she described as close as a brother, three years ago in a shooting incident. His death, tied to involvement in unsafe behavior, left a lasting impact on her. She shared how common it is in her neighborhood to see young people trying to gain a sense of identity or respect through street violence, only to lose themselves or harm others in the process.
She believes that programs like the one she attends can be life-changing, helping youth see beyond their current environment and understand they have value and potential. According to her, these programs teach teens how to find their voice, set goals, and stay focused on a better future.
The city’s substantial investment in youth programming aims to prevent stories like Whiting's from repeating themselves. The funded programs include athletic leagues, arts workshops, employment training, leadership development, and mental health services—all tailored to help youth from diverse backgrounds find support and community.
Residents interested in learning more about available youth programs can access the full list of supported organizations through the city’s official channels. By empowering teens with tools for growth and self-expression, Columbus is working to break cycles of violence and build a stronger, safer future for the next generation.
