Reducing gang-related firearm violence through credible mentoring, evidence-informed interventions, and radical belonging.
Community Designed, Community Led
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. WAY integrates princples 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-informed, community-centered model that offers a transformative alternative to the current criminal legal system.
Impact Snapshot
Our Vision
We hope for a safe Yakima community free from gang and gun violence.
Our Mission
We strive to create an alternative to incarceration for youth and young adults by rebuilding our communities through committed relationships centered on love, compassion, and consistency.
Our Values
We believe in practicing empathy, vulnerability, commitment, radical belonging, and giving second chances.
Our Story
Walk About Yakima was founded in 2020 by a few Yakima community members who were daring (and perhaps crazy) enough to believe that love, not punishment, was the key to solving community violence. Funded by a Project Safe Neighborhoods grant, the program was initially modeled after Save Our Streets, a community violence intervention initiative based in Brooklyn.
In 2023, WAY received a two-year contract from the WA State Department of Commerce, Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention. This contract allowed WAY to greatly expand its scope and formalized the partnership between the program and University of Washington’s Center for Firearm Injury Prevention.
Although recent budget cuts have constrained the program’s growth, we remain dedicated to our mission and continually refining our trust-based, evidence-informed mentoring model.
Meet the Team
Alfredo joined the Walk About Yakima team as a mentor in 2021. Since then, he has taken on the role of Program Manager, radically improving the structure and efficacy of the WAY program.
With a diverse range of skills, Sam has managed the behind-the-scenes stuff, including grant writing, budgeting, data collection, presenting, training, and website building since 2023.
Luis started his journey with WAY in 2024, but has served as a mentor for youth since 1999. A lifelong resident of the valley, he enjoys giving back to his community through his work.
With his perpetual smile and good sense of humor, Frankie has brought joy and laughter to the WAY team since 2024. He loves having the opportunity to make a difference for youth.
Let's Build Safer Communities Together
Walk About Yakima is a charitable program. We rely on state funding, grants, and the generosity of our community. Our participants are never charged for the services they receive.
Scroll to learn more about how you can get involved with making Yakima a safer, more peaceful community.
Funding is our greatest need. Your donation supports the everyday work that makes violence intervention possible: reliable mentorship, emergency assistance, skill-building, community activities, and opportunities that help young people build stability and envision a future beyond violence.
Donate Money
Our volunteer opportunities are limited, but we’re always grateful for people who want to support WAY’s mission. From speaking in Restorative Circle, to helping with a fundraising event, to pitching in on a special project, the right volunteer can make a real difference.
Volunteer
We maintain a small emergency food, diaper, and hygiene bank for program participants who need a little extra support. Donations of shelf-stable, nonperishable, unopened items help us respond quickly when a participant or family is facing an immediate need.
Please call us directly at (509) 517-0787 to schedule a donation.
Donate Items
Field trips introduce young people to places, activities, and experiences they may never have had the opportunity to explore. Shared experiences create opportunities for mentors and participants to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create positive memories together.
Please call us directly at (509) 517-0787 to sponsor a field trip.
Sponsor a
Field Trip
Equip Your Team. Strengthen Your Community.
WAY offers evidence-informed training for professionals working with youth and young adults, justice-involved or at-risk individuals, and communities affected by violence. Our training staff combine lived experience and years of frontline violence intervention to help organizations build stronger client relationships, respond more effectively to conflict, and create lasting change.
Every session is highly customizable to suit the needs of your team and filled with hands-on activities to reinforce learning, ensuring participants leave with the tools needed to enhance their practice the very next day.
Gang Awareness and Safety
What is it?
Safety starts with knowledge. This training will give you the tools you need to be aware and stay safe in areas experiencing gang activity.
Our expert team will teach you about common gangs present in central Washington, including topics such as gang culture, symbols, identification, activity, and strategies for safety.
Who could benefit?
People whose work could put them in proximity with gangs, including:
- Enforcement and security
- Nonprofit agencies
- School administrators
- Outreach workers
- Government agencies
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
What is it?
Learn the basics of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This highly customizable training focuses on foundational skills for both staff and clients encompassing the four dimensions of DBT:
- Mindfulness
- Distress Tolerance
- Emotional Regulation
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
DBT can help you improve your working relationships with clients while lowering their risk of impulsive or reckless behavior. These skills are simple to learn and easy to use in real-life situations.
Our staff have extensive training and experience using DBT with high-risk clients directly in the community.
Who could benefit?
Everybody can benefit from learning DBT skills, but we find that they are especially effective for:
- Outreach workers
- Educators
- Nonprofit agencies
- Social workers
and anyone else who comes into contact with youth, young adult, or at-risk populations.
Training can range from a 2-hour intro course to a multi-day deep dive depending on the needs of your team.
Working with At-Risk Individuals
What is it?
Working with at-risk populations comes with unique challenges.
Our trainers will create a custom curriculum for your team to address topics like:
- maintaining professional boundaries
- identifying and managing personal bias
- conflict de-escalation
These hands-on sessions feature reflective discussions, journaling, and team-building activities to get your staff ready to tackle the tough stuff.
Who could benefit?
Organizations working with at-risk populations, including outreach and nonprofits.
This training is especially effective for organizations with lived-experience employees or volunteers.
Restorative Circle Facilitation
What is it?
Circle is a method of addressing harm and resolving conflicts originating in the traditional practices of Indigenous peoples of North America. Our team uses Circle to facilitate vulnerable and honest conversations, heal trauma, and teach valuable life skills.
The benefits of Circle aren’t just limited to clients! Staff Circles promote team cohesion and employee wellness, both of which are critical for effective teamwork in challenging and emotionally demanding fields.
Our trainers can work with you to design and facilitate customized staff Circles, or train your team to create their own for use with clients.
Who could benefit?
Like DBT, we believe everyone can benefit from participating in Circle.
Agencies in emotionally demanding fields or those experiencing internal friction may benefit more greatly from staff Circles.
Nonprofit and outreach organizations working with youth, young adult, or at-risk populations may benefit more greatly from being trained to facilitate their own Circles.
Looking for something else?
Please reach out! Our training team will work with you to build a custom curriculum that suits your needs.
Reports
Select a report to view or download.
WAY FY 23-25 Biennial Report
UW C-FIP FY 23-25 Evaluation Report
UW C-FIP FY 23-25 Social Impact Report
