Neighbors once took great pride on Syracuse's South Side.

"It was a real sense of community when I grew up,” said Colette Matthews-Carter, a V.O.I.C.E. Project member. “I could ride my bike. I had friends. We could just move about the community and I felt safe."

But Carter says if you fast forward to 2018, there's been a major shift.

"How's that war on poverty working out?” said William Fitzpatrick, the Onondaga County District Attorney. “50 years of misguided social programs has led us to where we are today."

 

 

 A city filled with violence and hate –- that's starting at a young age.

"We have a new gang leader in Syracuse,” said Fitzpatrick. “The gang leader is 16-years-old. The leader of a gang is 16-years-old."

 

"It's disheartening,” said Carter. “You want young people to be involved in positive things that will advance their lives in good ways."

Leaders say they've seen more gang activity among teens, and there are many factors.

"Everything from disinvestment from the community, there's housing issues, unemployment issues, issues of poverty [and] drugs,” said Carter. “When young people don't feel connected to the communities in positive ways, there's the gangs."

So groups such as the V.O.I.C.E. Project are coming up with strategies to steer them in the right direction.

"I want to connect faith leaders in churches with maybe a mentoring program to assist children at risk,” Carter said.

As well as connecting them with local businesses.

"Perhaps they can do some mentoring,” said Carter. “Perhaps they may set up some type of training program for young people. Crime reduction will help for them as well."

Carter wants to start by reaching out to students in 5th grade.

"I want to see hope in these children,” said Carter. “I want to see violence reduced. I want to see people hopeful and caring about kids. I want the atmosphere to change."

Back to the safe, spirited community it once was.