Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator Dawn Kelly Mobley works with students at J.C. Nalle Elementary School as part of the Project LEAD (Legal Enrichment and Decision Making) program. Project LEAD teaches children about the legal and social consequences drug use, gang involvement, theft, truancy and graffiti. The program also addresses self-esteem, decision-making, conflict resolution and peer pressure.

Students from the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program participate in a weekend beautification program at the Refuge of Hope Center, just off North Capitol Street. Each year, nearly 100 students age nine to twelve participate in the DEFY program, which begins with an intensive summer leadership camp and continues through the year with a ten-month mentoring program.

The National Crime Prevention Council and the Metropolitan Police Department team up to sponsor a playground visit featuring McGruff the Crime Dog.

Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Cordero works with students at Marie H. Reed Elementary School during a recent Project LEAD (Legal Enrichment and Decision Making) class. Project LEAD is taught in 19 elementary schools in the District of Columbia, serving more than 350 children.

Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) participants pose during their annual summer leadership camp. DEFY is a community-based, youth outreach program which provides education and develops life skill development for youth ages nine to twelve. The two-phase program begins with a summer leadership camp and continues through the year with a ten-month mentoring program.