Stepping 4ward 2gether hosting its King of the Grill event

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A local group is doing its part to change the narrative about young men in the Peoria community.

"Stepping 4ward 2gether" hosted the inaugural "King of the Grill" event at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Peoria.

The group mentors young men, especially those between 12 and 16 years old, to build character and steer them away from violence.

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The long-term strategy is, by targeting them young, they will grow into positive community leaders. They also help seniors through their "Build a Block" initiative and uplift the community through prayer preservations.

Founder Dwayne Williams wants to show young men there are better paths than turning to crime and violence.

"We're trying to set the example that, you know, you shouldn't have to commit a crime, or you don't have to do something wrong and then turn around and learn that you need to get yourself together," Williams said. "Let's prevent you prevent that right now by. Let's catch it while they're young, let's catch it while they're young men. We're tired. We as men are tired of going to the funerals of young people that are just dying for senseless reasons.

"So let's see what we can do to change their narrative by meeting them with they're at," he added.

Williams said they hope to raise $5,000 from the event