Guts, Resilience, Ingenuity, and Tenacity (GRIT)

About This Grant

If, as research suggests, youth gun violence (such as that in Rainier Beach) is at least partly due to despair and pain, then why not address the causes? Our Somali youth experience great despair - akin to the typical young aduurance, living alone) to which are added an empty cupboard, eviction, unemployment, lack of a high school diploma, etc. Just as explorers of outer space have intensive training, ongoing communication and detailed user manuals outlining their options, resources, and support available in unfamiliar situations, so should our youth have access to training and other aids to navigate their strange new world. Operation GRIT offers 30 youth (14 to 24 years old) intensive training (60 hours) on essential self-care practices needed for overall well-being, and a violence-free life; related discussion groups (60 hours); a 60-hour media and podcasting workshop; and 3 1-hour podcasts so GRIT grads can share their wellness wisdom with their peers.