Coalition directs youth towards potential

Education

May 21

Written By Staff

A new coalition of leaders from the business community, media outlets, and law enforcement is joining forces to launch Youth with Potential (YWP), an independent initiative dedicated to redirecting at-risk youth from crime to opportunity. Local news stations, including ABC affiliate WZZM 13 and NBC affiliate WOOD TV8, have joined as official media partners. These stations will air stories highlighting local youth and pathways to opportunity, connecting families directly with help.

YWP focuses on providing consistent positive role models and pathways forward for youth facing systemic challenges such as violence, theft, and drugs.

“Youth with Potential is about turning awareness into action,” said Kim Krause, Executive Director and Foundational Partner, Youth with Potential. “Our goal is to remove barriers and empower young people to recognize their own potential, enabling them to build safer, stronger futures for themselves and our community. We know the earlier we can intervene, the greater the impact.”

The initiative brings together a coalition of local television stations, education, law enforcement, and business leaders. YWP acts as a connector and catalyst, bridging gaps between existing services and addressing practical obstacles for families, such as transportation barriers and a shortage of positive role models.

YWP has also debuted its website, which will serve as a central hub for resources, engagement, and links to local media coverage: www.youthwithpotential.org

West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners