The White House Honors Neighborhood Services Organization's Frank McGhee
WASHINGTON, DC- On Wednesday April 4th, the White House honors Frank McGhee as one of twelve leaders recognized for their work to prevent youth violence within their communities as part of the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention (the Forum). Launched at the direction of President Obama in 2010, the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention is a network of communities and federal agencies working together to share information and build local capacity to prevent and reduce youth violence. Mr. McGhee, along with the Forum’s Detroit team, reported on their progress at a national summit yesterday in Washington, D.C.
“I’m proud leaders like these have found new and innovative ways to prevent youth violence,” said Director of the Office of Public Engagement Jon Carson. “If we’re going to combat violence and keep our kids safe, then we need to ensure we dedicate time and manpower to the issue. These leaders have done just that, and this is what makes them true champions for their communities and our country.”
The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.
To learn more about our Champions go to www.whitehouse.gov/champions
Frank McGhee is the program director at Detroit-based Neighborhood Service Organization, leading the nonprofit’s Youth Initiatives Project, an ongoing program providing leadership and advocacy training related to the prevention of violence and substance abuse. Mr. McGhee is a youth advocate who mentors and coaches young leaders to educate their peers about the incidence of violence in Detroit and ways to prevent it. He was drawn to the human services agency’s history of community activism and neighborhood empowerment programs. More information on the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention and Detroit’s role is available at: www.findyouthinfo.gov.