The Community Coalition, a “System of Care Network that includes: local government; law enforcement; juvenile justice; behavioral health; education; child welfare; and community based service providers” announced last week that they were implementing neighborhood forums as a response to community violence, with the goal being to host one no more than 36 hours after a shooting.
Unfortunately, with this past weekend’s shooting death of 14 year old Elijha Booker, they now have an opportunity to put this new plan to work.
It’s a bit past the 36 hour mark, but it’s on the calendar and happening this Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Jericho Missionary Baptist church, 1601 W. Bloomington Road.
From the press release:
The forum is open to all community members. Champaign City Council members, Champaign Human Relations Committee members, law enforcement representatives, and other civic leaders will offer information, support, and resources to attendees and be available to answer questions. There will be light food and drink available.
The Violence Response Team has organized this event to:
- Halt the spread of misinformation
- Offer resources to community members affected by violence
- Connect community members with civic leaders
- Restore a sense of safety
- Empower community members with strategies to help prevent violence
Any community members or organizations that want to become a part of this effort can contact Karen Simms at [email protected]. You can read more about her work towards creating a trauma-informed community here.
Photo from Facebook