BEAUMONT, Texas - In response to recent acts of youth violence, a new community-led initiative is taking shape in Beaumont with a mission to connect with young people before problems escalate.

The Community Task Force, created by Justice of the Peace Naomi Doyle, plans to bring concerned residents into local parks to engage with teens, offer support and maintain a visible presence in areas where young people gather.

Doyle said the effort has been in the works for several weeks but gained added urgency following two fatal shootings involving young people this week.