SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Association of Governments released a new report regarding gang activity in San Diego County, 10News reported.

SANDAG compiled their report based on interviews with gang members shortly after they were arrested. According to the report, there are 147 active gangs in the county. They are responsible for one-third of the homicides in San Diego County, the report said.

The report also showed that many young people joining gangs as early as age 6 up to age 23. The average age of a person joining a gang is 13, the report said, and 50 percent of them have family members in gangs, with half having carried guns.

Manny Castro said he is not surprised by what the report revealed. He is a former drug addict and gang member who now works at the Turning the Hearts Center. Castro said family problems often lead to gang membership.

"Not getting the love from home, the acceptance. When the kid's not getting that, they're going to look for it somewhere else," said Castro.

Castro said many gang members suffer from low self-esteem.

"Kids with low self-esteem are willing to do anything, by all means, even if it's going to hurt their own family … just to feel better about themselves," said Castro.

Castro first came to the Turning the Hearts Center as part of a court-ordered community service. He became interested in the center's work and became a volunteer. Now as a staff member he works with young people who are in gangs, those who are tempted to join and their parents.

"We're digging into the heart. We don't speak to the minds, we speak to the heart," said Castro. "The kids come to one classroom, the parents to another and we educate the parents about gang culture and also give them support and guidance."

Many of the young people listen to Castro because he has been there and has received a second chance.

"One day, I want to be a grandfather, get to see my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren. That's what life is all about," said Castro.

Castro is now married and has four children. He has left the gang life behind and is positive others can, too.

Castro talks to young people about what he calls the four stages of gang membership: the wannabes, the gang members, the hard core members and the coffin.