Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, in conjunction with the Board of Legislators, has appointed all members to the Westchester County Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce. The taskforce consists of experts, advocates and diverse community representatives from across Westchester County.
One of the newly assigned taskforce members is WPWDB Youth Program Director Elizabeth Oliveto (pictured front right). She brings first-hand experience gleaned from the Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) program to reduce gun violence in the vulnerable communities of Yonkers and Mt. Vernon with community partners—Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, Westhab, Inc., and the The Guidance Center.
Liz Oliveto said: “The $1.1 million grant program that we branded “A Bright Future,” found sustainable employment for individuals between the ages of 18–24. New York State designated our program as its highest achieving GVP program having enrolled 309 young adults (147% of goal), with 205 participants successfully placed in employment (98% of goal). I am excited to be a part of this larger collaboration with the county to continue this crucial work.”
The gun violence prevention task force is vital because it will implement programs and foster collaboration that help rehabilitate youth by providing mentorship, guidance, and career path opportunities. By engaging young people and offering them a new perspective on life, they can be steered away from crime and empowered to build brighter futures. Watch the news conference here.
