Columbia SC Youth Safe Haven Program
Gonzales Gardens
1505 Garden Plaza AD 1 & 2
Columbia SC 29204(803) 343-8713
Gonzales Gardens Koban is in its 11th year of operation, providing after-school opportunities and community policing for the residents.
The after-school tutorial program is held Monday through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays are reserved for field trips and other outdoor activities. This program is operated by a civilian staff, with the assistance of a Community Safety Officer. Paid staff and carefully trained volunteers give priority to mentoring high-risk youth.
Community policing is performed by a combination of officers assigned to housing, and district officers, who work a larger area. The housing officer is most active from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, when youth are most likely to get into trouble. The district officer provides protection during the other hours.
The Koban program is also designed as a magnet to attract other opportunities for citizens at or near the same locations, like job training and remedial education for parents.
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