Group trying to tackle crime, now fight for funding

Richland Co, SC (WOLO) — At the end of May,  Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott held a press conference asking the community members to address the issue of gun violence.

One local group of young men who were former gang members decided to answer the call, becoming ambassadors for their communities, and starting programs that can keep children out of trouble during the summer. Now, they find themselves in a new fight, this time for funding. Dozens showed up to Tuesday night’s Richland County Council meeting asking that they help pay for the programs that until now are only being paid for by local churches, and members of the community.

ABC Columbia’s Alex Tejada was at a council meeting and brings us both sides of the debate.