Operation Safe Streets Expanding In Baltimore

Baltimore Mayor, Sheila Dixon is expanding the city's Operation Safe Streets program with an infusion of $1.7 million. The program was initially funded by federal money, but the new cash infusion was generated from private donations. The Baltimore program is modeled after the Chicago program called CeaseFire and is in it's 14th month of existence. The program hires ex-offenders to reach out to the youth to encourage the mediation of disputes instead of turning to violence. The initial results of the program have been promising, and the Operation will now be expanded to five active sites.

This is a great program, but expensive. Again, I hate to try to tell the wealthy how to spend their money, but programs like this would be a good investment that won't have a monetary return, but a socially conscious return. Thanks to the Baltimore Sun for the story.