Harrisburg community groups connecting with youth

The number of homicides in the city of Harrisburg has climbed to three this year.

The latest victim was only 14-year-old.

He died over the weekend as a result of his injuries from an April 13th shooting.

With so much violence, some community groups are reminding people they are here to help.

On this Monday, as the sun sets, a group young boys could be found playing outside near Camp Curtain Middle School, getting their energy out in the presence of a mentor.

Inside another group of teens were having a conversation about the fatal shooting.

"We do talk about violence, things like that," explained Anthony Burnett, who runs Loop Boys and Girls, with his wife. "How to reenact a situation, how it can either save your life or be in a situation where you are in danger."

Started in 2002, Loop Boys and Girls helps provide kids with a free evening program to help keep them on the right track, and out of trouble.

"It's a program that's very well rounded and it touches on everything someone would need to be positive and stay positive," explained Melisa Burnett.

The program runs daily from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., and even later in the summer months.

This couple is not the only group of people who want to keep young people moving in a positive direction.

John Watson runs Iron Dome Legal Advocacy Group. He too has arms wide open wanting to help youth in need.

"We want to make our point strong enough as though to know they are paying attention," explained Watson.

Nearly four years since he was behind bars, he said he's worked hard to create positive opportunities for himself. He wants to help young people create them before they go down the wrong path.

And that's not all. Breaking the Chainz also spends time in Harrisburg schools, mentoring youth.

Lamont Jones is one of the members of the group.

"They say I can't save the world but who says I can't try," said Jones.

Jones said he knows what it's like to grow up in Harrisburg, in an area where the so called "street life" is attractive.

"Was told don't do this, don't do that, but was never really explained why," said Jones.

Now, after spending time behind bars more than once, he says he knows the why and tries to relay it to people he mentors.

"Most of the time our youth are driven off of pride, who is tough and who is not, and even some of us men, we have egos and I believe most of the time, all the time they need to be checked at the door," said Jones.

All of the different groups are doing their part to keep kids moving in a positive direction.

Many of the groups also collaborate to put programs together.