Sam Decker

WAY Program Coordinator sam.decker@cpcocw.org

Community Designed

Walk About Yakima

We create alternatives to incarceration for youth and young adults by rebuilding our communities through committed relationships centered on love, compassion, and consistency. Walk About Yakima (WAY) is a program aimed at reducing gun violence in Yakima County by providing direct intervention to individuals who are most vulnerable to being killed or incarcerated due to gun violence and gang activity. The program integrates principles of restorative justice and community violence intervention, focusing on healing harm, fostering accountability, and addressing root causes of violence. WAY relies on a unique, evidence-based, community-centered model that offers a transformative alternative to the current criminal justice system.

A need for intervention

According to a 2019 Project Safe Neighborhoods report, Yakima County had 180 shots-fired incidents. Over 25% resulted in injuries or fatalities due to gun violence.

Program Partners

Community Peace Center of Central Washington
Yakima Police Department (YPD)
Yakima County Juvenile Court (JC)

We want to bring hope to all in the Yakima community by creating an environment of trust, hope, and belonging through modeling and practicing radical love.

Funders, Consultants, and Community Partners:

Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Firearm Safety & Violence Prevention

Yakima Valley Community Foundation

Brad Beach DBT Institute

University of Washington Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program

Yakima Police Department Gang Unit

Yakima County Juvenile Court Administration

Yakama Nation Legal Services

Legends Casino & Hotel

Yakima School District Safety Office

Yakima Foursquare Church & Celebrate Recovery

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