Former West Garfield Park gang members look for peace with MAAFA Redemption Project

From left, Ferrice Spiceson, Rashaad Washington and Dayquan Rollins grew up in West Garfield Park and fell into street life before starting the MAAFA Redemption Proejct, which recruits neighborhood residents who are actively involved in criminal activity and gangs for a year-long program that combines therapy, meditation, education and job training to help participants leave behind violence and find legitimate employment. (Ashlee Rezin)

The MAAFA Redemption Project is one of several anti-violence groups that works to make the streets of West Garfield Park less dangerous. Headed by Deacon Robert Ervin of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, it offers a yearlong program of job training, psychotherapy, and counseling.

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