Gang Prevention and Intervention

Crossroads Youth Opportunity Center

Identity serves as lead agency for an anti-gang initiative of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, at the Crossroads Youth Opportunity Center (CYOC) in Takoma Park, at Langley Crossroads. The CYOC offers a safe, supportive environment with caring, knowledgeable adults where young people are given the tools and support needed to resist or end gang involvement.

Youth services at the CYOC include:
•    mental health counseling,
•    case management services,
•    a girls’ support group,
•    social skills building sessions,
•    advocacy training,
•    tattoo removal, and
•    supervised recreational and social activities.

Our work with at-risk Latino youth, and particularly at the CYOC, has led to Identity’s recognition in the U.S. and internationally for our effective approach to gang prevention.