MADISON, Wis. -- Dane County leaders are hoping a pair of new initiatives will cut down on gang activity and help young people find jobs.

Two programs were announced at a news conference on Monday with county officials outlining their financial commitments to help their success.

Officials said that $50,000 was being given to the Madison Area Urban Ministry to help those released from jail find work. In addition, about $87,000 is earmarked for Commonwealth Development and Operation Fresh Start to get at-risk young people work training, WISC-TV reported.

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said that she views both efforts as key to steering people away from gang life.

"We can help young people learn job training, getting jobs, keeping skills that will go a long ways for them not making the wrong choices in terms of behavior and joining gangs," she said.

The new programs were both suggested by the Joint Gang Task Force, which released its recommendations late last year.