It is a call to action from interfaith leaders and city officials. They are asking heads of churches and parishes in the city of Springfield to step up in their community to stop the violence.

The Springfield 10-Point Coalition, along with the Council of Churches, City officials and members of the faith community gathered on the step of Springfield City Hall Thursday to stop the violence in city streets.

"We will win this war on the isolated areas of our streets. But more importantly, it's the preventative programs and initiatives that are going to work out in the long term," Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said.

Many places of worship in Springfield have already initiated programs targeting the youth, giving options other than a life of crime and providing hope for a bright future.

Archbishop Timothy Paul of the International Communion of the Holy Christian Orthodox Church has encouraged his parishioners to change their ways when it comes to reporting crime and gang activity.

"What we are provoking our people to do is to be the eyes on the street, to be the people that if they see something suspicious to text it, to be the people to teach their children to ignore this “don’t snitch” rule that’s on the street," Paul said.

Associate Pastor Elian Gonzales of the Apostolic Renewal church on Salem street opens the church doors to neighborhood youth.

"Tuesday nights to speak about character building, to speak about peace, destiny and purpose, the youth themselves run what we call the destiny encounter," Gonzalez said.

Cedric Dennis, minister of the Basilica of the Holy Apostles on State Street has reached out with a mentoring program for children in his parish.

"We are starting to mentor the young people not only the at risk or high risk youth but also the gang involved. We believe that if we can interact, engage and start to show them that not only is there another way but also give them the means," Dennis said.