Announcement comes as Black History Month begins
In an effort to stem the spike in crime, leaders of the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence held a Wednesday, February 1, press conference at The Center For Englewood, 838 W. Marquette, and unveiled a myriad of holistic programs for youth and adults that will provide positive alternatives for the community.
The stated goal of the Gandhi King Center is to provide innovative resources to the community, including gatekeepers to reduce violence while promoting peace in the neighborhoods.
The Center will provide weekly groups to address local concerns, mediation counselors, meditation classes, yoga classes, music therapy, strategic activity including sports for students and youth, a mobile food bank, wellness screenings and self-empowerment programs.
Included among the goals for the Center is establishment of a 24/7 hotline for crisis intervention and appropriate follow up.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle cut the ribbon for the opening of the Center. Preckwinkle spoke on how Cook County has helped to reduce violence and explained the new initiatives, suggestions and recommendations taken to prevent violence and crime in Cook County.
Principal organizers include Dr. Twin Green, Chairman, Link and Options Center; Brian Anderson, Founder/CEO, Shepherds Hope Chicago; Rahim Henry Timothy, founder, director, Midwest Coalition to Stop Violence, Inc.; Dr. Zenobia Sowell, Chair, Bethel Mennonite Community Church; Martino Tangkar, chairman, Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force, 7th Congressional District; Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, President, American Multi-Ethnic Coalition, USA.
More than a dozen participating organizations were also involved in the event.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the GKCNV 14-foot trailer, a mobile community food trailer donated by Discount Tire Co., supported by Medstar Laboratory, Inc., and operated by Shepherds Hope, Chicago.