Gang Intervention
Created as a response to growing violence among Chicago street gangs with a strong presence in 11 at-risk communities.
The Street Intervention Program (SIP) was created in 1990 as a response to growing violence among Chicago street gangs. This globally-recognized program has a strong presence in 11 of Chicago’s at-risk communities.
SIP workers mediate gang disputes, promoting non-violent solutions to interpersonal and group conflicts. SIP meets youth at school during the day and on street corners at night. Their goal is to increase young people’s self-esteem by providing after school programs and tutoring sessions.
SIP workers use grass roots knowledge and experience to conduct school workshops that promote critical thinking, conflict resolution and reflection on the reality of inner city neighborhoods. This program also enables parents, teachers and school administrators to identify gangs, gang symbols and gang practices.
One of the most important aspects of the SIP is having a strong presence in the communities it serves. With the help of teachers and community organizations, SIP workers personally get to know neighborhood children and identify those at risk of becoming involved in gang situations.
Currently, SIP has a presence in:
- Logan Square
- Humboldt Park
- Little Village
- Pilsen
- Avondale
- Back of the Yards
- Belmont-Cragin
- Englewood
- Hermosa
- North Lawndale
- West Town
For more information, please call our Metro office at 312.932.1200
