On Saturday, October 4, 2008, the Fort Bragg Coalition for Gang Awareness and Prevention will host the first “Celebrate Safe Communities” event in Fort Bragg to bring our community together for a day of fun and prevention education. 

 The Coalition for Gang Awareness and Prevention was started three years ago by individuals and agencies interested in addressing potential gang issues in Fort Bragg. Since its start, this group has held several informational community forums and implemented multiple new programs.  Grant funding directly related to the Coalition has provided our community with a School Resource Officer through the Fort Bragg Police Department and Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Other results of the Coalition efforts include Teen Court, expanded after-school programs, implementation of the Gang Resistance is Paramount (GRIP) curriculum in local classrooms, and a resource and referral system for parents of coastal teenagers. 

 The Celebrate Safe Communities event is being held to inform our community of the Coalition’s efforts, progress, and achievements over the past year, as well as to provide information about how individuals can get actively involved in crime prevention.  Activities and informational booths will be set up in Bainbridge Park with a free BBQ, live music, soccer demonstrations by the Atlas Soccer League, basketball tournaments with law enforcement gamers,  pumpkin decorating, face painting, an obstacle course, and free raffle with great prizes! 

 This event is for all ages and will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with soccer demonstrations beginning at 1:30 p.m. and the raffle at 3:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity for our community to come together, network with one another, and get involved in the future of  your community!