City Designates 1st Safe Zone For West Side Teens

The Austin City Council recently designated the ASAP Safe Zone as the city's first official safe zone for feuding teen groups. Established in 2021, the safe zone offers multiple programs aimed at violence prevention and career development, including internships and mental health resources. This year, the zone expanded to incorporate Alt Space Chicago's new facility, a 30,000-square-foot arts space. The ASAP Summer Youth Development Internship program teaches young adults crucial skills such as conflict resolution and goal-setting while managing a budget for an end-of-internship event. Aisha Oliver, founder of Root2Fruit, emphasizes that building community requires daily effort and engagement.

The initiative responds to the area's history of gun violence, particularly following the tragic slaying of young children in the community. Oliver's personal connection to the neighborhood drives her commitment to creating safe spaces for local youth. The safe zone continues to grow, reflecting an ongoing community effort to foster positive interactions among teens.