Rotary clubs in Canada invest in the PACT program, an urban peace initiative that aims to break the cycle of youth crime. Participation, Acknowledgement, Commitment and Transformation (PACT), founded over twenty years ago by Rotarians Dave Lockett and Dan Cornacchia focuses on teaching youth at risk essential life skills.
Article By Ryan Hyland Produced by Andrew Chudzinski
Source: Rotary International website
Akeem Stephenson wanted to go to jail. He believed it was the only way he could free himself from a life of crime — a life he desperately wanted to change.
After being arrested for a fourth time more than 10 years ago, for aggravated robbery, the teenager in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was set to go to prison. But the judge saw something in Stephenson that suggested that he could redeem himself. So he gave Stephenson a choice: participate in an 18-month youth program, or serve the six-month sentence. For Stephenson, the choice was clear. He decided to transform his life through the PACT Urban Peace Program.
To read the entire article click here: https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-clubs-help-youth-turn-away-crime
