City of Columbia Recognizes Youth Justice Action Month with Community Events and Youth-Centered Programming
In recognition of October as Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM), the City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) is collaborating with AMIkids Gateways and community partners to host a series of events focused on youth empowerment, violence prevention, healing and community engagement.
Youth Justice Action Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of supporting young people, addressing challenges within the juvenile justice system and creating pathways toward positive outcomes for youth and families.
Through the Beyond the Gate initiative, ONSE and AMIkids Gateways will offer programming designed to elevate youth voices, encourage positive decision-making, promote healing, and strengthen connections between young people and their communities.
Scheduled Youth Justice Action Month Activities Include:
- October 16: Youth-Led Event — Camp Aspen, 5300 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212 | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- October 21: Health, Hope, and Healing on “The Path” — Hampton Park Community Center, 1117 Brandon Ave, Columbia, SC 29209 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- October 24: ONSE Community Block Party — Location TBD | 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- October 30: Strength in Community Celebration & Showcase — Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busby Street, Columbia, SC 29203 | Part 1: 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Part 2: 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Part 3 (Camp Aspen): 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In addition to the Beyond the Gate series, ONSE will host its own Community Block Party on Saturday, October 24, providing an opportunity for youth and families to connect with community resources, participate in positive recreational activities and strengthen relationships within their neighborhoods.
These initiatives reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to community-based violence prevention, meaningful youth engagement, and partnerships that help create safer, healthier neighborhoods.
Through collaboration with organizations such as AMIkids Gateways, ONSE continues to support prevention-focused approaches that recognize the potential of young people and the importance of providing opportunities, resources and supportive environments in which they can thrive.
About the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
The City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement works to strengthen community safety through violence prevention, community partnerships, outreach and initiatives that address the underlying factors contributing to violence. The Office emphasizes collaboration, community voice, and proactive strategies that support safer and more connected neighborhoods.
