The Ground Is Breaking In Lewisville

Online, June 17, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Operation Peace of Mind (OPM), a local nonprofit, recently broke ground on its new facility set to open in the spring 2012. OPM celebrated its groundbreaking ceremony June 6, 2011 for its new facility to be located at 383 Perry St. in (Old Town) Lewisville. The new facility will help OPM to better serve the community. OPM provides crime prevention and leadership classes to children, youth and senior citizens, providing opportunities to develop safer more vital communities. The new facility will allow for more space and classrooms.

"OPM needed more office space and classrooms." said Danese Griffith, interim executive director for OPM. "The building will be OPM's corporate location, and provide additional offices and classrooms." The additional space, will allow OPM to provide more education and training on how to avoid becoming involved with or becoming victims of crime, as well as youth leadership and mentoring programs. "OPM hopes to expand its client base to include more schools, day cares, after-school programs and churches." said Griffith.

OPM was founded in 2002 and has been actively involved in the Lewisville community since 2008. OPM focuses on leadership and crime prevention with programs that combine education and action to reduce teen victimization and involve youth in service within their communities. "The programs develop self-esteem, leadership and citizenship skills engaging youth in action to positively affect the circumstances of their lives," Griffith said. OPM provides information that will motivate young people to take safety seriously and to make their communities safer, thus making them better.

OPM's programs address the issues that are most pressing for today's youth: bullying, drugs, gangs, handguns, conflict management, youth/police relationships and hate crimes. OPM offers 30 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of community service to its participants. Upon completion the "graduates" are considered ambassadors for OPM; they are then able to apply for an OPM college scholarship.

OPM seeks to tap and focus people's energy, talent and enthusiasm so they can participate in their communities as responsible citizens. "Studies show that young people are more likely to succeed if they have practical knowledge, cognitive and social skills, and meaningful opportunities in the community," Griffith said. "Many youth are exposed to factors that put them at risk and can make it difficult for them to develop the skills necessary for a productive, safe life. "

OPM currently offers programs all over the DFW Metroplex, including Serve West Dallas, Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD. Our programs are free for nonprofits, churches, schools and individuals.
For information contact Danese Griffith at 972-221-7202 or email [email protected] , you may also visit our website for more information www.operationpeaceofmind.org.