Elmira, N.Y. – Elmira teens received positive support from various local agencies to encourage teens to stay off the streets and out of trouble.

Several community groups from Elmira provided alternative options for teens to be successful. The Block Party was hosted by the Community Dispute Resolution Center, and was attended by A Partnership for Youth (Catholic Charities), Trinity of Chemung County, Workforce New York, Economic Opportunity Program, The Public Advocates office, and other community service  organizations.

P.E.A.C.E. officials said the purpose of the event was to give at-risk teens a way to stay out of trouble and have successful futures.

The party is a result of a partnership between the CDRC and area youths. Those in attendance had food and music to enjoy, and listened to guest speakers who shared their stories of success.

The event also aimed to raise awareness in the community, and was geared toward teens aged 16-22. The program is working to ‘take back’ the streets of Elmira, according to event coordinators.