Northstar Bus Lines, the Maple Grove terminal of American Student Transportation, teamed up with Brooklyn Park community members to seek change with the increase in gang violence among the city's youth. Mayor Lisa Jacobson arranged a Mentoring Fair that took place in early November addressing the issue. The Mentoring Fair helped community members learn more about local programs in place to guide change. In addition, community members learned how they can become more active as well. School bus drivers and trainers Rodney Williams and Jesse Aberham were there to represent Northstar Bus Lines. 

According to Mr. Williams, there was a great turnout in terms of community members, and even vendors, were upwards of 14. Being a Brooklyn Park resident himself, he was glad to see not just concern, but the willingness to create change. He feels the increase in violence may be aligned with what is going on in the neighboring city, Minneapolis. After speaking with several vendors, he feels confident this mentoring fair was the right direction to make a difference.  

Northstar Bus Lines is a part of the Brooklyn Park community. Not only do we drive for several schools located in the city, a bulk of our employees are Brooklyn Park residents. Northstar Bus Lines will continue to support the city of Brooklyn Park and its efforts to reduce rising gang violence among the city's youth. We do not want to see this problem on the bus. We will show  up when necessary, and will remain a strong employer in the Brooklyn Park community. We thank Mayor Jacobson for including us in this initiative.