The recent outbreak of violence in west Louisville has everyone scrambling for answers.

This weekend, there is a program trying to make a difference one young person at a time.

It's an education and mentoring program called 1plus1 equals U. And it's trying to show inner city teens a different way to live.

A pickup basketball game on a Saturday afternoon. Nothing unusual about that.

But these kids know that no matter who wins or who loses, there will be no threats and no violence. They are part of a program called 1plus1 equals U, holding it's annual retreat this weekend at Harrods Creek Baptist Church.

"We want to help our teens make right decisions. How to calm down when they get angry."

Central High School teacher Margaret Dunbar-Demaree founded 1plus1 after years of seeing too many students make the wrong decisions.

"They were created to be successful. So we want to show them how to do that in the correct way. Prepare them for when things don't go their way, how to deal with that."

This weekend, these kids will hear positive role models, from athletes to ex-cons.

"There's nothing wrong with being angry, being upset, as long as you don't let it consume you."

Many of the instructors themselves went through 1plus1 when they were kids.

"Having those healthy families and relationships, that ultimately impacts our entire community."

This is Sharneesa Miles second retreat. She says it's helping her deal with issues of trust.

"I feel like I'll be able to open up more. More respect for myself and everyone around me."

For Keith Smith, it's learning how to be a real man.

"Positive attitude. Positive attitude and respect for older people and people my age, too, because everybody deserves respect."

Though this is the third annual retreat for 1plus1, the recent west-end violence has given organizers an even greater sense of urgency.

"The violence in the  last couple of weeks has heightened awareness to our teens and young men," said Demarree. "They don't want to die. They do want to live and be successful."

Organizers say if there's one thing they hope these kids walk away with this weekend, it's this: a sense of hope.

"How to stay alive and be successful," said Demaree.

"I think it's a great opportunity for them to see that they don't have to be a product of their environment," said Harrods Creek Pastor Kirk Bush.

1plus1 will also hold a summer program in July. If you want to know more about the program, you can go to its website http://www.1plus1equalsu.com/home

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