Long Beach Be S.A.F.E. Initiative

Since 2010 Centro CHA has supported the strategic direction of the Long Beach Violence Prevention Collaborative to convene systems and community leaders around a "collective impact framework" focused on reducing violence, supporting positive youth development, and develop a set of shared principles and best practices across sectors and organizations. ​

Summer Night Lights in Long Beach from Charles Lauren Films on Vimeo.

Transforming neighborhood conditions for youth and families to live thrive, and be healthy

One key best practice to emerge from the Long Beach Violence Prevention Collaborative has been a focus on aligning a wide range of systems leaders and community partners around a strategic summer violence reduction strategy. ​Leadership workforce development, economic development, and summer employment for youth and families in central Long Beach has been the key focus of the Long Beach Violence Prevention Collaborative with the goal of improving environmental conditions and health outcomes for vulnerable youth in Long Beach.
Our collaborative has demonstrated success in reducing overall crime and violence in Neighborhoods where BE SAFE is offered by nearly half. The Long Beach VPC has also been instrumental in increasing summer employment opportunities.

National Night Out 2017 at Admiral Kidd Park

Safe Passages Initiative

The West Long Beach Safe Passages Program empowers residents to take responsibility for the safety and security of their neighborhoods through awareness, education, training, and by engaging the support of multiple community partners and agencies. Key to the program's success is the utilization of local residents to serve as Safety Guides who will be trained to observe and report potential safety hazards, as well as responding to potential crisis situations, along the Santa Fe corridor. 

Now recruiting Community Safety Ambassadors

Community Safety Ambassadors monitor key high-risk street corners on the West Long Beach Santa Fe corridor before, during, and after school commute times. They are a constant visual safety presence and resource for neighborhood youth. Should a safety concern arise, Community Safety Ambassadors communicate the situation with each other so that children and families can be directed away from danger. 

Accountabilities

  • Follow the direction of the Lead Community
    Block Captain
  • Provide presence at designated area(s)/location(s).
  • Monitor school areas and "hot spots"
  • Ensure safe passage before and after school
  • Maintain community partnerships
  • Provide daily updates to the Block Captain
  • Maintain daily/weekly activity report
  • Attend educational seminars/trainings
  • Other duties as assigned
  • Must pass a Background Check/Live Scan

Position Requirements

Qualifications
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Knowledgeable of the community
  • Ability to handle emergencies/disputes in a calm and professional manner
  • Experience in developing community relationships and partnerships
  • Commitment to diversity, and ability to work effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, afternoon, evenings, and some weekends
  • Able to stand for long periods
  • Access to reliable daily transportation
  • 3 yrs. experience working with parents and
    youth a plus
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and works appropriately with clients, peers, and supervisors
  • Goal-oriented self-starter
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Very knowledgeable of West Long Beach community and schools
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to serving our students and parents
  • Consistent track record for being reliable and punctual
  • Able to read and write incident reports