Much of ALSO’s work focuses on and provides support to in-risk individuals, disconnected youth and those who are re-entering the community after incarceration. These groups are considered “in-risk” due to risk factors already resulting in adverse effects as opposed to future impacts.

In-risk factors include societal, community, relational and individual dynamics such as school and criminal-justice systems, family and peer relationships and exposure to violence. ALSO is well versed in these areas, making us uniquely positioned to provide training and consultation to organizations and systems looking to work more deeply with and responsively to people living in-risk. Through a holistic approach, we are able to strengthen and support in-risk clients’ safety and security, economic and educational opportunities, as well as positive social networks. Learn more about identifying and supporting in-risk populations.

Building trust and positive relationships with both mentors and peers is at the heart of this work. Mentors with relatable life experiences demonstrate how positive change is both possible and sustainable and provide inspiration and guidance to individuals in risk. We believe it is also important to incorporate practices encouraging camaraderie among peers – including those who have different gang affiliations – through structured opportunities for social interaction and facilitated group discussions on violence prevention. As many in-risk individuals have children, promoting healthy family relationships is another important element to this work.

Read our report. Why Relationships Matter for In-Risk Men: Identifying and Responding to the Intersections Between Intimate Partner Conflict and Community Violence