(Danville, VA) – Danville’s Project Imagine held its second graduation on Friday.  The Project Imagine Program was designed to help gang-affiliated youth on a path to a future off the streets by providing them with a paid work experience and mentoring while on the job.

The nine week program will see its graduates who range from 18-21 begin work with the Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority very soon.  The youths also received training on money management and will have access to classes and additional training programs.

Robert David, the gang violence prevention and youth services coordinator for the City of Danville, commended them for completing the program.  “You didn’t quit,” David said. “You stay connected, and you showed that you wanted a better life.”

David also spoke during the graduation of the hurdles these youths can face, “It is easy to go back to your comfortable place,” he said. “Sometimes, that is what happens to the youth that we deal with. We put them in a position where they can be successful, but it easier for them to go back to the place where they were than to try to be successful at this level.”

City Manager Ken Larking was on hand to present the graduation certificates.  “City Council is very supportive of this program,” Larking said. “We care about the lives of everyone in Danville. We want everyone to be as successful as they can be. Every young person has a lot of potential. Anything we can do to help support and make that potential a reality, then we are going to be there for you.”