Operation Get Real Anti-Gang Initiative

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Nassau County District Attorney's Office will support Operation Get REAL (Redirection, Enforcement, and Learning). They will provide recreational activities, employment services, mental health counseling, and substance abuse services to identified gang members in an effort to redirect troubled youth into positive community resources. The Nassau County District Attorney's Office will provide drug, alcohol and mental health counseling to equip participants to make more healthful personal choices. Employment counseling and services will also be available to help provide alternatives to gang involvement and to assist participants in becoming more productive members of society. A Young Mother's Club will be created and will hold regular meetings to prevent gang involvement by assisting young mothers that reside in high-risk areas with life planning, parenting skills, resources and information. A 'One-Stop Shop/Redirection Center' will be established using computer equipment to provide job-search capability and to assist parents and adults to link to existing gang prevention resources at all levels of government. The goal of the project is to reduce the number of Nassau County youth between the ages of 13 to 21 that join gangs.

NCA/NCF