More than 620 people turned out for the 4th annual Project SAFE Family Day on Sept. 19 at the Hurley Family YMCA, according to city officials.
Children and adults flowed into a gym filled with booths, displays and representatives from local organizations providing information about involving children in structured, organized activities.
Parents and children attended separate, age-appropriate workshops regarding parenting, drugs, gangs, street smarts, Internet safety and more.
Children attended workshops aimed at resolving disputes without violence.
The city spearheaded the formation of Project SAFE Neighborhoods Salisbury-Rowan in 2002, working with city and county law enforcement to prevent crime by encouraging positive activities for youth.
Family Day brings together families of many races and ethnicities, who learn they share common ground with other parents regarding concerns for their children.
The event is also a result of citizen feedback from the June 2007 Salisbury-Rowan United Gangs Summit about the need for more positive activities for youth.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods task force includes representatives from law enforcement, the district attorney office, probation and parole, non-profits, local business, government, the faith community and volunteers.