Group violence strategy offers ‘second chance’ in Baltimore. ‘I’m just grateful,’ participant says.

Keko Thompson was trying to cope with his cousin’s killing last September when he was approached by Youth Advocate Programs with an offer for services or connections — a “second chance to get myself together,” as Thompson put it. He accepted. Since that outreach, Thompson has earned a forklift certification and held a job at a warehouse for six months, his longest-ever continuous employment. And he’s been paired with a life coach, Mark Ross, who he speaks with daily.