Florida Shooting Spree Prompts Church Leaders to Launch Mentoring Program
In the aftermath of a shooting spree at a Manatee County, Fla., nightclub that left two dead and 22 wounded just a little more than a week ago, community church leaders have launched a mentoring program that includes passing out their phone numbers anonymously.
About 50 leaders in the faith community, including pastors, met to form the “Pops Club” on Monday, the Rev. Cory Brinson of Spiritual House of Praise told a local reporter at Bradenton.com.
Group members will have their phone numbers printed on cards without their names with the idea that a gang member with thoughts of using a gun or a youth in trouble can instead call “Pops” for help.
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“I really think it will work,” Brinson said. “We have an epidemic on our hands. We have to take action.”
The shooting that occurred in the early morning of Sept. 10 at the Club Elite in Palmetto is one of the worst shooting incidents in Manatee County history, officials reported.
One of the victims, Trayon Goff, 25, of Palmetto, was found dead outside the club’s front door. The other victim who was fatally shot, Gwenette Matthews, 38, of Bradenton, was found inside the club, according to the Palmetto Police Department.
Although the nightclub was crowded, no witnesses have come forward in the case and no arrests have been made, according to local police.
“If word got out that one child avoided gun violence by making that call, others would want the card,” Brinson said.
Brinson’s father, Elmore Brinson, volunteered as the first “Pops” during Monday’s meeting, the Brandenton news site reported.
At the meeting, Elmore Brinson suggested the cards include the message: “Where you at? and “I’m on the way.” Mentors will be instructed to ask callers where they are located and tell them that help is on the way.
“I think that is what a child would want to hear most from Pops,” the younger Brinson said, as reported by Bradenton Herald
In addition to deciding to make the cards available, those gathered at the meeting promised to pray for children, families and law enforcement daily.
At a rally for non-violence held in front of the Palmetto Police Department Saturday evening, one resident told a local news reporter that she wants a safer community for her children.
“I want them to be safe and it’s not safe,” said Brandy Belvin, 33. “These parents need to start parenting. It starts from home.”
