Based in Ohio, the Lima-Allen County Gang Coalition was formed in 1993 and consists of representatives from 25 community groups and agencies.
Lima's multi-faceted, community-wide network has been tremendously successful. Gang activity has subsided and school attendance is up 95 percent.
Lima schools have implemented the following successful anti-gang measures:
- Provided school-based intervention and training at the high school.
- Established an "intelligence link" between the schools and local law enforcement.
- Developed a tougher truancy policy.
- Passed a gang graffiti ordinance.
- Established a working relationship with several gang members. School officials work with gang members to accurately assess the impact of employment, volunteer service and participation in extracurricular activities.
- Endorsed the Ohio Department of Health's "Reach Back" program which sent 40 at-risk students to Bowling Green University to teach young individuals to make a difference in their community.
- Made information on gangs available to the community. The coalition published a youth resource directory, identifying nearly 100 activities and programs with which students - from primary to high school - can get involved during the school year and the summer.
- Lima schools have created partnerships with local businesses to provide students with job training and job opportunities.
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