Youth Against Violence (YAV) has structured a proven solution,
backed by a credible team of supporters. Since 1994, YAV has provided an avenue for spiritual change in the lives of hundreds of ex-gang members who in return reach back and touch the lives of their peers.

To date, we have members that have come out of just about
every gang in the Bahamas. Our team has been certified by the
National Gang Crime Research Center of America.
We have also published three books on this anti-social lifestyle.
We have been studying this social ill both here and abroad and
we honestly believe that there is hope.

Youth Against Violence provides positive alternatives which are
directed toward helping our youth find their identity and discover their purpose. Our campaign has taken us into schools and into areas that the average agencies or organizations have not been able to influence.

We realize that the solution to our country's gang violence
problem will not be short term, as it was manifested over a period of time. With this in mind we have embarked on a journey of producing young leaders who are able to influence their peers.
We meet regularly with young people who have been reformed.
To date we are the only organization of which we are aware that is directly addressing this social ill in The Bahamas

What We Offer

• Regular weekly discipleship training, Bible study, teaching, fun, and
  topical training sessions dealing with real issues, for real people.
  
• Outreaches to schools, parks, streets, malls, Family Islands and
  foreign countries.
  
• Seminars on gang violence, prevention and intervention and other
  youth issues
  
• Violence, Drug and Sexual Abuse Consultancy
  
  • Teenage Pregnancy Consultancy
    
  • Peace In The Streets Campaign
    
  • Drama, Music and a variety of artistic expressions
    
  • Concerts featuring contemporary Christian music artists
    
  • Operation Redemption which is a hands-on training institute geared towards teaching troubled young men skills in carpentry, electrical, mechanics, plumbing, car detailing, lawn care, etc.
    
• Job Placement
  
• Tutoring- Maths and English, etc.
  
• Counselling-Parents/Child, Group
  
• TV & Radio Programs
  
• Motivational Sessions
  
• Sporting Activities

The Nelson Cooper Basketball Tournament is held in memory of Nelson Cooper, a young vibrant individual who was once the leader of the Border Boys gang who eventually changed his life, becoming one of Gods followers. This young man was shot and killed in a rival neighborhood while encouraging other young men and women to neglect the way of violence and seek Christ.

The Nelson Cooper Basketball Tournament has grown to be the elite tournament in the Bahamas, bridging all walks of life.
It is held on the last two Saturdays in July, annually.