Douglas County approves new gang violence coordinator at youth center

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Ronald Smith is taking the job as Douglas County Youth Center’s new gang prevention coordinator.

Smith has quite has quite the experience helping out youngsters on the streets. He was YouTurn’s street manager for seven years sharing his own personal life experiences as an ex gang member and advocating for youth to turn away from violence.

“I’m just passionate about it,” Smith said.

Smith in his new position will be in charge of mentoring juveniles involved in gang and gun violence inside the county’s youth center. He will do this by building one-on-one relationships, educating, and setting the youth up for a better future.

“When they’re at their lowest parts of their lvies I get to brighten up their day, also brighten up their understanding,” Smith said. “Whether that’s having conversations, playing with them, [or] reaching out to their little brother and sisters [and] taking anything to their family that they might need.”

While his position is new, the work he will do will stay mostly the same.

“He was with YouTurn for many many years and did a wonderful job there and is familiar with the community,” Kim Hawkotte, deputy county administrator for juvenile services said. “The key is it has to be soembody the youth trusts, they know, and have that relationship with.”

While smith will mainly focus on youth gang and gun violence, Hawkotte said he was also hired to help any young person in need.

“The severity of the violence might be up in many communities,” Hawkotte said. “We’re trying to take that proactive effort to stop it from happening.”

Smith told 6 News he’s ready to not just helps kids, but be an example that street life doesn’t have to last forever.

“We got to put our heads together and see how we can help those kids before it’s too late,” Smith said.

Smith has been helping out in the community for 20 years and will start his new position on Sept. 1.

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