Baltimore Violence-Free Zone

New Vision Youth Services' mission is to change the cultural environment of at-risk youth in an effort to eliminate violent and destructive behavior in Baltimore City. New Vision was founded by Minister Billy H. Stanfield with a vision to reach the community positively by addressing all the issues that hinder the spiritual, social, physical, economic, and cultural growth of Baltimore City youth.

The New Vision program targets high-risk children and youth, particularly those who are struggling with behavior and academic issues. Character development activities are offered to identified middle and senior high school students who require training that is relevant to establishing appropriate values, beliefs, and character.

In February, 2005, New Vision Youth Services partnered with the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise to bring the Violence Free Zone program of in-and-out-of school-time support to youth enrolled in Southwestern High School. The school was identified as experiencing high rates of violent and disruptive activity among students. New Vision's  character-development, recreational, and sports activities. The school almost immediately reported reductions in violence and behavior problems, which the principal and other staff credited to the VFZ program.

NVYS is implementing the Violence-Free Zone program in Baltimore's Connexions, Institute of Business and Entrepreneurship, and Baltimore Liberation Diploma Plus high schools for the 2010-2011 school year.  More information about New Vision Youth Services can be found at the organization's website, www.nyvs.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Billy Stanfield
Executive Director
New Vision Youth Services
1600 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone 410-244-5702 FAX 410-361-1361
Email: bstanfield@nvys.org
Website: www.nvys.org