PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - A Peoria church leader plans to start a mentorship program for the city’s youth after two shootings near a high school last week.

A 15-year-old girl and Manual High School student was grazed by a bullet some blocks from the school on August 20. Two days later, a 15-year-old student allegedly fired four shots towards the school building after they were suspended earlier in the day.

In response, the Peoria Police Department made a plea to the men of the city to mentor, support, and guide teens. Dozens of men showed up to welcome students back on Monday.

New Life Christian Church wants to continue the momentum to help the Peoria youth.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” said Ahmad Jamal Dawson Sr., Lead Pastor, New Life Christian Church.

The shootings

See Full Page