The YSH/PMS is a youth, housing and community investment initiative designed to build relationships with local police to meet the following goals:

• Keep youth in school and promote academic excellence
• Develop life skills
• Keep youth out of the criminal justice system
• Prevent crime and drug abuse among youth
• Improve the quality of life in the neighborhood
• Reduce neighborhood crime
• Build resiliency in families

Keene Housing Authority was honored by an invitation to participate in the Eisenhower Program for Youth Safe Havens/Ministations in 2000. This initiative brings additional federal funds to the community to benefit youth programs.

The program is operated at two public housing family sites . Youth ages 5 through 18 are eligible to participate in programs operating daily from 3 to 6 PM with some evening programs and activities offered. Civilian staff work together with police to mentor youth, provide academic support in daily homework labs, teach and model social skills and help youth solve problems at home with their families.

In addition, the Police Officer engages in community policing initiatives such as regular patrols in the neighborhood and organizing resident crime prevention groups; the goal of building better relationships with civilians and reducing crime. The effort hopes to rebuild the image of the friendly neighborhood police officer who is a trustworthy and contributing member of the community.

The initiative is funded by the Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation and is one of several across the country. The Foundation encourages the approach of developing multiple solutions to the numerous problems that affect youth and families today. The YSH/PMS is a prime example of a holistic approach taken to youth development by working directly with the youth, their schools, the community and family.