City of Thomasville- 2007 G.R.E.A.T. Program

The Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program is a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. G.R.E.A.T.'s violence prevention curriculum helps students develop values and practice behaviors that will assist them to avoid destructive activities. The G.R.E.A.T. program coordinates with federal, regional, state and local agencies, as well as individuals from community and civic groups. The goal of the G.R.E.A.T. program is to train law enforcement officers in a school-based curriculum in which the officers provide instruction to school-aged children in life skill competencies, gang awareness, and anti-violence techniques. Training in the core G.R.E.A.T. program is provided to officers from any state or local law enforcement agency.

The City of Thomasville will use Fiscal Year 2007 G.R.E.A.T. funds to continue implementation of their G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School, Middle School, Families, and Summer components. The Thomasville Police Department will offer the G.R.E.A.T. program to 6th and 7th graders at MacIntyre Park Middle School; teach the 3rd and 4th graders at Harper and Jerger Elementary Schools; conduct a G.R.E.A.T. summer component for youth ages 10-14 twice a week at the schools and YMCA; and offer a G.R.E.A.T. Families program at the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys and Girls Club. The G.R.E.A.T. officers will work closely with at-risk students to provide education about alternatives to gangs and violence. The City will also use funds for travel, personnel, equipment, and supplies.

CA/NCF