Purpose Honor Discipline Youth Program

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

South Bay County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

According to the Public Policy Institute of California (ppic.org) for 2023, California’s overall violent crime rate increased by 1.7%, 2022 to 2023. More recent data shows Los Angeles currently has a crime rate of approximately 3,115 crimes per 100,000 residents based on 2024 data, which is 29.7% higher than the national average.  When compared to cities of similar population size, Los Angeles ranks 9th among the 35 largest U.S. cities for its overall crime rate. The city’s crime index value is 28, indicating that Los Angeles is only safer than 28% of U.S. cities across the nation.
Per Mayor Karen Bass’ official 2024 LAPD Crime Statistics Report (mayor.lacity.gov), Community-focused programs like the Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) contributed to a 40% homicide reduction in participating neighborhoods, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted intervention strategies. These programs address the root causes of violent crime in vulnerable communities.

The Prevailing Family Life Center’s mission is to restore communities by providing supportive services, mentoring, and resources that promote resilience and healing so individuals and families can thrive. Through evidence-based programming, we help turn hearts and minds away from destructive behaviors caused by dysfunctional family structures. Our programs inspire and uplift our neighbors and community.
Our Purpose, Honor, and Discipline (PHD) Youth Empowerment Program addresses multigenerational violence and the challenges faced by inner-city youth. Over 16 weeks, participants attend weekly sessions and outings focused on education, health, and community involvement. The PHD curriculum uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help youth recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Interactive lessons and role-playing activities promote problem-solving, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.
With support from psychologists and counselors, youth learn essential life skills like empathy, respectful communication, and assertiveness. CBT helps them identify unhelpful behavior, build coping mechanisms, and develop a healthier mindset. Serving Carson, Compton, Gardena, and Long Beach—areas heavily impacted by violence—we aim to equip youth with tools for a more positive future. By fostering Purpose, Honor, and Discipline, we reduce crime and guide youth toward becoming productive citizens.

The Purpose Honor Discipline (PHD) Youth Empowerment Program uses proven violence reduction strategies in its curriculum. Participants engage in activities likeThe Violence That I KnowandCrossing the Line, encouraging them to reflect on personal experiences and recognize shared challenges. Advocacy exercises likeBuilding a Cityteach about government, power, and injustice. InCommunity Power Role Play, youth take on roles such as store owners or teachers to explore responses to community violence from different perspectives. These exercises build empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Weekly lessons are designed to help participants learn skills to make better choices for successful daily living.
Our vision is for each participant and their families to experience positive measurable changes over time that will result in less violence, better grades and better lifestyle changes that foster positive community impact.