Kids coming up today are not taught the fundamentals of the game." Changing this was the vision of One Vision One Life Community Coordinators, Taili Thompson and Darrell Goodwine. They invited kids from the North Side to participate in the four week skills academy and they came by the dozens. Between 25 and 40 kids attended everyday and nobody was turned away. The kids ranged in age from 5-19 and were of all skill levels. The Academy included basic conditioning, drills, and scrimmage play. The camp also provided lunch, water, and jerseys for the participants. The coaches were amazed at how much progress they'd made with the kids over the four weeks. "They really improved...along with their attitudes."

The kids were also pleased with their progress. One young player admitted that, "Even though he's a good player, he's learned something from the camp." A number of the kids stated if they weren't in camp, they'd be hanging out at home or on the street." Some said they'd still be playing, but not with any competition or coaches. Since many of these kids have been flagged by the school district as kids who need One Vision One Life attention, just keeping them occupied is a win. The Academy ended with a day-long cookout and ceremony.

Kids Enjoy 4-week Basketball Academy

Pittsburgh City Police Department Deputy Chief Nathan Harper reports that crime and violence on the North Side and Hill District have dropped off - and he credits at least some of the drop to One Vision One Life. One Vision One Life staff meet monthly and talk regularly with the City Police Department to review crime statistics, share information about hotspots, and develop opportunities to work together. The relationship is strong and fluid: The police call and request our presence at a swimming pool or on a problematic corner and likewise we call the police and request their presence at high-risk events.

One Vision One Life focuses on the type of violence that drives local homicides rates. When homicide rates are high, like in 1993 or 2003, there are an unusual number of violent incidents that involve young black men living in high crime communities. Overall year-todate (through August) homicides are down 33% over 2003. Targeted violence has also been reduced. Year-to-date North Side homicides were reduced by 6 or 50% from 2003 to 2004. Targeted North Side homicides were reduced by 4 or 36% from 2003 to 2004. Likewise, Hill District homicides were reduced by 4 or 50% from 2003 to 2004; and targeted Hill District homicides were reduced by 5 or 71% over the same time period. Targeted homicides were low and flat in both Beltzhoover and St. Clair Village.

One Vision One Life Director Richard Garland believes that if the kids and the community begin to see One Vision One Life Community Coordinators hosting positive events, it will change their whole image of them - and make it easier for them to spread a non-violence message in the community. What Garland calls their coming out part took the form of a two-day community day in Manchester - a high crime Northside neighborhood.

In early June, Northside Community Coordinators hosted a two day cookout for the community. One Vision One Life staff were out in force to welcome the hundreds of kids and adults who came for the weekend-long event. There was lots of food, music, and games - everyone had a great, safe time.