(WSBT) It's a unique way for a small city to deal with a big city problem. As Goshen's Hispanic population grows, some say gangs are growing with it. Now, the community is trying to fight gangs with gangs.

Former gang member Joe Guerrero has spent the past 10 years trying to combat the problem. He says the best way to do that is to create what he calls positive gangs that encourage teens to learn new skills.

It's hard not to notice or look at the gang graffiti under overpasses. But it's something Juan Pindda didn't expect when his brother moved to Goshen.

"About two or three of his friends got killed (in) stabbings, shootings," said Pindda.

Indiana's Hispanic population is 4.5 percent; Goshen's is 19 percent, making it one of the state's largest. It's growing and some say so are the gangs.

"I look at the things here and it's about five to 10 years backwards than it is in LA, the dress code, the attitudes," said Pindda.

Over the years, people have tried to removed the marks that gangs have left on the community, but some say it's not a pointless fight.

"We tell our kids they are here for a purpose and so are we, and what we are here for is to make a difference," said Joe Guerrero, executive director of Communities in Schools of Elkhart County.

Differences that come by way of mentoring and positive gangs created by the organization.

"We have to teach our boys what it means to be a real men, real honor, real respect," said Guerrero.

It's the idea behind Straight Clownin' Car Club, a positive gang that builds cars.

"We wanted to do something in the community that didn't involve something wrong," said Homer Hernandez, a member of Straight Clownin' Car Club.

"If I can teach you how to make money, you will be good for the rest of your life," said Pindda who founded the positive gang.

It's a lesson Pindda is teaching his sons who also like cars.

"I tell him, 'Come here, buddy. Let's go change the spark plugs in the car. Let's go change a tire. Let me teach you what a brake system is.' The thing is encouraging kids more," said Pindda.

Communities in Schools is mentoring 100 kids and teens now. They want to help more, but don't have the resources to do that. Communities in Schools says if it can prevent one kid from joining a gang, then it's a success.