Items of Interest May 23, 2011 Issue

A grandmother’s prayer and love change lives in Chicago’s gang culture

Allie Torgan

“Grandmother helping Chicago kids ‘off the block’ ” Courtesy CNN. April 7, 2011.

In Roseland, one of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods, many residents stay off the streets to protect themselves from rampant gang violence. But one grandmother opened her door and invited gang members to come inside.

“They say I’m a nut because I let kids into my home who I didn’t even know,” said Diane Latiker, 54. “But I know [the kids] now. And I’ll know the new generation.”

Since 2003, Latiker has gotten to know more than 1,500 young people through her nonprofit community program, Kids Off the Block. And she hopes that by providing them with support and a place to go, she is also bringing hope to a community in crisis.

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