COLUMBUS, Ohio-An east Columbus organization, Nex Level Behavioral Health and Addiction Services, is nearing the opening of a youth peer center in Olde Towne East aimed at steering kids away from crime. Founder Dr. Joi Jones emphasized the importance of providing alternatives for youth facing community challenges. The center plans to launch an after-school program in November, offering counseling and life skills training. This initiative comes amid rising juvenile crime in Columbus, highlighted by recent incidents involving teenagers in stolen vehicles and violent altercations. Licensed counselor Iyesha Bush noted that many youths struggle with trauma and lack coping mechanisms. Since the beginning of the year, 629 juveniles have been admitted to the Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center for offenses, compared to 928 in all of 2023. Local parents, like Lynessa Woodworth, express concerns for their children’s safety and hope that increased resources will help prevent youth from turning to crime.
