March against gangs organized

MOSES LAKE — A conversation between a youth pastor and police officers led to the creation of a community march this Saturday in Moses Lake.

Rick Garza, of El Sendero de la C Church, is organizing Teen Challenge’s “March Against the Madness” in Moses Lake to show support for the community, families and those struggling with gangs and drugs. Local churches, businesses, police officers and school districts are walking through downtown Moses Lake to raise awareness of gang-related issues.

“Our ultimate goal is to send a positive message out there and help students understand this is something we can overcome,” Garza said. “By getting our community together, we can help those struggling in gangs or with drugs. We want to send a message these adults and children to let them know there is a better way out there.”

The idea to march came to Garza after speaking to Jesse Campos, Tri-Cities Teen Challenge’s executive director. Teen Challenge is a ministry providing faith-based recovery homes for troubled teens.

“I was originally taking to Jesse to try to set up a Teen Challenge home in Moses Lake,” Garza said. “After hearing about all the gangs here, I wanted to also partner with the city to bring a positive message to those who are struggling in gangs.”

Garza hopes to help end gangs and other crime by educating the community on available resources.

“We want people struggling with these issues to know we are here for them, we care for them and there are many resources out there to help them get out of this lifestyle,” Garza said.

Garza hopes to get 1,000 people to attend the event, occurring Saturday in downtown Moses Lake.

“We want everyone in the community to be involved to help our kids have a better future,” Garza said. “I want to shine a light in dark places here and let the community know there is still hope in our city.”

Garza said Moses Lake police officers told him about the crimes occurring in Moses Lake.

“There have been so many burglaries, drugs and other issues going on lately,” Garza said. “They really need our help in stopping these crimes.”

Garza wants to reach out to parents and community leaders.

“Sometimes we feel helpless when trying to reach out to our kids, feeling like we are failing,” Garza said. “The fact is that kids will be kids and all we can do is mentor them and model positive behavior. I want parents to get more involved in their kids’ lives and to understand their vital role in shaping their kids’ futures.”

The march starts at 10 a.m. at the corner of Dogwood Street and Fourth Avenue. Participants will walk to City Hall, up Third Avenue and back to Dogwood.

After the march there is free food, music, resource information booths and keynote speakers sharing about their experiences in drugs and gang activities. The event is free, open to all ages and is bilingual.

“We will have both English and Spanish available,” Garza said.

There is an opportunity to give donations to Garza for the building of a Teen Challenge Crisis Center in Moses Lake.

“This event is a great chance for all of us to get outside (our comfort zones) and make a difference in our community,” Garza said. “The only way to make a difference is to get the word out and raise awareness.”

To register for the march, people can call Rick Garza at 509-431-3118 or stop by El Sendero Church, located at 2227 W. Peninsula Drive.