5 days ago
Nonprofit group aims to curb teenage gun violence after Fourth of July shooting
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Some community leaders are trying to find ways to prevent gun violence throughout Columbus. It comes after a shooting on the Fourth of July that left a 17-year-old dead and five others hurt during a party.
The nonprofit 'Ours Brothers Keepers' is reeling from the impact of the shooting, and some are asking what can be done to help steer younger people on a different path.
'The effect is real, real hard, especially when you're dealing with that type of age group, and you know what they are going through,' said Wesley Moore, OBK Co-founder. 'It was very sad, you know, that here, especially as a young teen.
Intel reportedly considering major strategy change in manufacturers like Ohio plant
The main goal of the group is to help young men learn necessary life skills and keep them off the path of violence. Cameron Moore, 17, was the victim of the east side shooting at a pop-up party.
'A lot of these kids are in survival mode right now,' Moore said. 'So, they are looking for an opportunity to make some money. And, you know, guns are their way…Trying to rob somebody, you know. So, we try to get them to put their guns down and earn a check. So they're not worried much about putting guns in there hands.'
The OBK program offers shelter, mental health assessments, and community engagement. The teens sometimes cut the grass for seniors in the neighborhood and make a small profit. Moore says emphasizing structure and consistency while making sure the teens feel safe has helped even those who weren't completely on board.
'We had some of the most violent people come to our program,' Moore said. 'After they get around some of the positive youth and understand that they got a place where they can call home, a safe haven and get an opportunity to learn some life training skills, to make some money, they pull other youth in.'
The group also noted they have expanded their program to now serve 20 young women.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
