Local mentoring group fighting to keep teens out of trouble this summer

ATLANTA — Every scoop of Italian Ice is an opportunity for success for 15-year-old Tremain Hutchinson and 15-year-old George Gary.

They’re a part of the Glaciers Italian Ice Entrepreneurship program.

Matthew McKinney is a program manager with Glaciers.

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“We have an opportunity with the young folks to work with us, to work directly with us. They’re part of a two year program,” said Matthew McKinney.

He said the main goal is to help teens 14-17 years old stay out of trouble and off the streets.

“It’s a record number of crimes happening around Atlanta...around the country per se. Ultimately, I would like to have this program across the nation. It’s extremely important. Too many kids’ lives are being lost,” said McKinney.

Hutchinson and Gary said this program is needed, especially in the summer.

“It’s important to stay out of trouble. Especially since I’m 15, that’s where things start to get more serious,” said Hutchinson.

“People are violent because they’re missing something important in their life,” said Gary.

That violence has reared its ugly head over the Memorial Day Weekend.

Two teens were shot at a graduation party outside Benjamin E. Mays High School on Saturday night.

Bre’Asia Powell died.

“She was a scholar as well as an athlete. She was an amazing sister to her siblings,” said Davida Huntley, a friend of the family.

Police said Powell and the other victim were innocent bystanders.

Mayor Andre Dickens had a message for young people this summer.

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“To the young people, we want you to make quality decisions about where you spend your time, and who you spend your time with,” said Dickens.

Meanwhile, as for Hutchinson and Gary, they said their summer hang-out spot is at Glaciers.

The 16-year-old who was shot is recovering at Grady.

Police are asking anyone with any information about the shooting to call CRIMESTOPPERS.

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