Finding Hope Now - Breaking Ties to Gangs

From the Fresno, CA Premier - Reported by Tony Botti, CBS 47 News

It was a sight we don't see much in downtown Fresno.  A red carpet, along with a line wrapping around the block.

“It's fantastic.  I don't think anything has been done inFresno like this before,” said Skin Mead.

Skin Mead is the executive producer of "Finding Hope Now".  More than 1,300 moviegoers packed the historicWilson Theatre to see the film Saturday night. 

The movie takes a look back to the 90’s when Fresno was one of the most dangerous cities in the country.  Actor Michael Badalucco portrays Reverend Roger Minassian.

“If you want to change, we're here to help you do that,” said Minassian.

In 1993, Minassian made a decision to resign from his church.

“When I met my first three gang members through a friend of mine, it broke my heart.  After a while I thought, somebody has to do something about this.  After a while I guess I was that somebody,” said Minassian.

He created Hope Now For Youth, a program designed to save kids from the gang lifestyle.  It puts them in classes and places them in jobs.

“We find that by caring for these young men, they begin to care about themselves.”

“The organization has taken 1,800 gang kids off the streets of Fresno.  It's time for that story to be known so hope now for youth can go outside to Los Angeles, San Francisco because there's gangs everywhere."

Janet Scot agrees, which is why she made sure to attend the premiere.

“I think it's going to open peoples' eyes.  This is just a start.  If we can have enough people see it, it will help,” said Scot.

If you or someone you know would like to contact Hope Now For Youth, call them at (559) 237-7215.

There will be another showing of this movie on May 19^th.  Click here to get tickets.

See the news clip and movie trailer below: