COLUMBUS (WCMH) — A Columbus youth leader is taking a stand against the city’s violence.

“You can never have enough programs, organizations or individuals out here doing this type of work,” Thell Robinson III explained, outside of his downtown office.

Robinson is the founder of A Thug is a Dud, also known as ATIAD, which is a nonprofit organization aimed at keeping at-risk youth on the right path.

ATIAD specifically offers tutoring, job-training, resume help and overall guidance to young community members.

Robinson founded the organization shortly after he was released prison, where he served 13 years.

“This is my calling to do what I do,” Robinson said. “I’ve been reformed and changed, so now God has allowed me to go back into these trenches and talk to these teens and young adults that I was once like, just to help them.”

Robinson will take his efforts to the streets, on Friday evening.

ATIAD is partnering with the Fades of Glory barbershop to host what is being called a “South Side Community Event.”

The gathering is open to everyone and it will include music, giveaways and resources, specifically tailored to the young men and women Robinson hopes to reach.

The event is scheduled to run from 5pm – 8pm, at the barbershop, near East Whittier Street and South Ohio Avenue.