Staff
Francisco Gallardo
Program Director
CALL OR TEXT Mobile Phone: 720-308-1212
Email: cisco@graspyouth.org
Francisco “Cisco” Gallardo assisted in setting the foundation for gangs in Denver. In his teen years, he joined and help create what has been one of the largest gangs in Denver’s north side. Since that time, after facing a possible 48years in prison, he has dedicated his life to undoing the damage he helped cause. By redefining respect, power and pride and making a commitment to help the youth heal, he has helped countless young people, over the past 17 years, to redefine their own lives through his work in the community
Johnny Santos
GRASP Program Assistant and Community Outreach
Mobile Phone 720-939-8620
Email: johnny@graspyouth.org
Johnny currently attends Metropolitan State College. He is a former “street” graffiti artist, pursuing a degree in graphic arts and/or human services. Johnny is bilingual English and Spanish, and helps facilitate groups and GRASP’s work with Spanish-speaking parents. He joined GRASP in July, 2006.
Johnnie Williams
Keepin the Peace Outreach
Mobile Phone 303-210-2432
Email: johnnie@graspyouth.org
Johnnie is currently working with youth in the community by supplying constructive alternatives to gangs and other destructive activities. He is actively involved within the community, focusing primarily on educating teenagers on gaining and preserving self-respect, finding a positive purpose in life, learning to be more responsible and learning to make good choices as well leaving the gang lifestyle. He joined GRASP in July, 2008.
La Cultura Cura , or healing culture, it includes ceremonies, rituals, and arts that can be used to help many youth overcome the multigenerational pain that surrounds them and leads to the death and destruction that is present in the community.
GRASP(Gang Rescue and Support Project) is a peer-run, intervention program that works with youth who are at-risk of gang involvement or are presently active in gangs, helps families of gang victims, and serves as a youth advocate. And, it works so well because it is run by ex-gang members who broke free of the gang life-style and turned their lives around. The staff understand how difficult it is to make this transition and the challenges confronting youth who do it. Established in 1991 after a tragic ‘drive-by’ shooting death of a teen, GRASP has evolved into a highly respected and successful program of Metro Denver Partners, a non-profit organization, that for over 30 years has helped kids to better futures through one-on-one mentoring
GRASP has 4 key components:
• Support group
• Targeted Presentations
• Tattoo Removal
• Barrio Unity Mural Project
GRASP PARTICIPANTS ARE…
Anyone who wants help getting out of a gang, or wants to avoid joining a gang, is encouraged to attend meetings. In addition, referrals are accepted from Juvenile Justice, schools, family, friends, public defenders, and other community-based agencies. There is no fee. The general referral criteria is:
• Male/female youth, ages 14-19
• Gang-involved (ranked in or associated with gang members, and/or family history of gang involvement)
• Substance abuse issues
• History of Juvenile Justice involvement
• Family dysfunction or family involvement in any of the above
If you know a kid who’s ready to
get out of a gang call 303-777-3117
and we’ll tell you about GRASP.
.