PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – A group of volunteers continue to answer the call from Peoria’s Police Chief to show up for youth in the community.
Parents, guardians, and community members greeted students Thursday morning at Manual High School to continue Chief Eric Echevarria’s “Stand Up, Show Up, Be There” initiative.
The initiative started in August 2025 after two shooting incidents near Manual. The goal is to have community leaders and male role models support youths to try and curb violence.
Volunteer leader Jeremy Sargent tells 25 News they want to keep the momentum going.
“It doesn’t always have to be negative, you know, some of these kids might just need someone to talk to,” Sargent said. “I feel like we need to start these mentorship programs or get in line with the ones that are already created and going, and get these kids the help they need.”
Thursday’s gathering comes in the wake of a violent car chase last week involving four juveniles and two 18-year-olds.
(Reporting by Mike Brody, 25 News)
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