Arts District business owners and community leaders have formed the Arts District Action Coalition, a new initiative aimed at helping at-risk teens through mentorship and entrepreneurship training. The effort follows a deadly shooting involving a teenager at the monthly First Friday event.
Coalition co-founder Tony Chavez said the group wants to show the district is welcoming to all walks of life. "We actually want to build them up," Chavez said. "We want to build up their confidence. We want them to take pride in the community." The program pairs teens with businesses matching their interests — such as art, fashion, or cooking — to learn real-world skills.
Jocelyn Poirier, owner of The Honeypot, said participants learn practical steps not taught in school. "We can teach them how to market themselves and teach them things they don't teach you in school, like how to apply for a business license, all the different forms you have to fill out, how to build your brand, how to build your Instagram platform, even how to interact with your customers," Poirier said. Poirier, who was homeless at 15 with no formal schooling, said showing teens from tough backgrounds that success is possible is personal.
Juan Torres of Clark County's Gang Intervention Program helps connect youth to the initiative. He said existing county programs can cover up to six months of wages for hired youth, and the goal is to expand those success stories into the Arts District so young people "actually feel a part of the community and protected as well."
Ten businesses, including Majestic Repertory Theater and Republic Goods, have joined so far. The coalition also plans monthly trash cleanups, a neighborhood watch, and increased Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department presence at future events.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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