November 2020 Newsletter

For all of us, this Thanksgiving and holiday season will look drastically different than years before.  With COVID-19 cases climbing in Kentucky, and around the country, new restrictions are set to resume today at 5:00 PM.  Additionally, Public Health officials are recommending limitations to Thanksgiving gatherings. See below for the latest guidance.

1. Review the latest executive orders here
2. Review guidance for celebrating Thanksgiving
3. See the latest daily reports, incidence rates, and red zone recommendations

Upcoming Events

One Love Louisville VIRTUAL Violence Prevention Training This is the LAST Violence Prevention Training of 2020!  Turn your passion into action and learn the tools needed to make a difference in your community! Our next Ambassador Institute will be held on December 12. To adapt to the virtual platform, we have shortened the institute. Training will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will be trained in Mental Health 101, Suicide Prevention, Community Organizing, Conflict Resolution, and the Public Health Approach to Violence. If you have ever wanted to join an institute, doing so is easier than ever! Register for the event below.

Register for December's Ambassador Institute Here

Introduction to Conflict Resolution Training Peace Education Program trainers will host an Introduction to Conflict Resolution workshop on December 9 from 6:30-8:30pm. . This two hour virtual training is designed for adults who work with young people in our community and will highlight the building blocks of conflict resolution. Join online for interactive lessons on conflict styles, anger thermometers and the conflict escalator.  This workshop is made free thanks to our sponsors by Kosair Face It and the Durant Family Fund. We ask that you register online by December 4. Click here to register!

Play Cousins Collective Invites You to an In-person Event TOMORROW Play Cousins Collective wants to bless strong families during this time of Thanksgiving, and that includes yours!   You are invited to visit the Opportunity Corner at 363 S. 18th Street from 12 PM - 2PM for family events! There will be family portraits, hot tea, treats, and Thanksgiving Turkey and Vegetable giveaways! This event is rain or shine so dress accordingly, and bring a mask! Transportation can be provided by contacting Sharmika at 502.515.8962.

Online Learning

With limited trainings and in-person gatherings, here are some interesting learning opportunities to continue to grow and develop our collective understanding of violence.

How to Help a Veteran

While honoring Veteran's Day this month, let's be reminded that veterans are experiencing depression, PTSD, and other complex factors leading to suicide at an alarming rate.  Suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death among veterans suffering from PTSD, and some studies suggest that the numbers are rising.  While much work has been done to shed light on the crisis, some public health professionals believe the current COVID-19 pandemic could exacerbate the issue. We are reminded during this time that harm to self is a form of violence that can be prevented.  This article from The Conversation reminds us that acknowledging the mental health crisis, and the warning signs associated with suicide, is one way we can honor veterans every day.

Ruby Bridges Mourns the Loss of Her Mother, Reflects on Historic Anniversary While Ruby Bridges will always be remembered as an icon for civil rights, her mother was the brave, unshaken force who held her daughter's hand on the William Frantz Public School steps. Just days before the 60th anniversary of the historic school year, Lucile Bridges, mother of Ruby Bridges, passed away.  In 1960, Lucile beared the brunt  of threats and intimidation to pave the path for desegregation in New Orleans and across the country.  Read why she will be remembered forever as a civil rights icon whose courage was a catalyst for lasting change. This weekend also marked the 60 year anniversary of Ruby Bridges first day in school. Hear Bridges recount of that historic day, the teacher she bonded with, and how she encourages children today.

Community Conversations: Vision Russell - The Transformation of Beecher Terrace The Urban Land Institute invites you to join the third installment of the Community Conversation Series.  Panelists will discuss the Vision Russell Transformation Plan, which outlines goals and strategies for the entire Russell neighborhood spanning from Market Street to Broadway, and from 9th to 32nd Streets.   Learn more and sign up for the December 9 virtual event here.

News and Announcements

Ambassador Workgroup, Local Volunteers Help Clean up the Loop A few months ago, one of our Ambassador Workgroup members noticed a problem on the Louisville Loop.  What started as a conversation blossomed into a full-scale project that looked to improve the beautification and accessibility of the Louisville Loop through the Portland Neighborhood.   This past Saturday, 30 volunteers met to do just that.  Volunteers were able to plant 20 trees, collect 30 bags of trash from Portland Wharf Park, and conduct a needs assessment of the Louisville Loop Detour along Northwestern Parkway.  In order to ensure COVID Safety protocols were met, volunteers wore masks, completed temperature checks, and were broken up into groups of ten or less.

The Ambassador Workgroup meets on the first Thursday of every month to discuss ways we can implement projects in our own community.  We want your help proposing and working on our next project! Find out more information by emailing joseph.newland@louisvilleky.gov

Utility Assistance Available, Moree Needed to Deal with Economic Hardships

While several financial and utility assistance opportunities have been made available to Louisville citizens, the rising cases of COVID-19 and the continued economic uncertainty have made clear that additional resources are needed. When the moratorium on utility shut-offs ended in October, thousands of families faced outstanding debts, which they are still responsible for.  According to the Louisville Water Company, over 18,000 residential customers currently have an outstanding debt which is about $430 on average.  Additionally, 38,000 LG&E customers are behind on payments with an average debt of $400. To combat the crisis, Mayor Fischer has proposed an initiative to curb the deficit.  The cities $10 Million initiative would come from general fund dollars freed up from the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security).  While the proposal still needs to be approved by Metro Council, it would allow the Office for Resilience and Community Services to distribute funds to utility companies on behalf of their customers.  While eligibility requirements have not been determined, participants would have to be experiencing utility debt as a result of COVID-19.

In the meantime, additional resources are available for struggling families.  Every year the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps thousands of families make ends meet and keep their utility cost manageable.  Fall applications are now available through December 11 for eligible households.  Review guidelines to the left to see if you are eligible, and see below for other community resources.   LIHEAP Fall Subsidy Rental Assistance JCPS Family Support center MSD Wastewater Rate Assistance Louisville Water Outstanding Debt Assistance Looking for Employment? Click here. Please utilize these resources yourself, and share them with family, friends, and neighbors who may need support.

Civilian Review Board Approved by Metro Council

Last night, Metro Council passed an ordinance calling for a Civilian Review Board for the Louisville Metro Police Department.  The ordinance was drafted by the Civilian Review Board work group that was established in May and included 33 faith leaders, law enforcement representatives, community advocates, and public officials. It also makes room for an Office of the Inspector General which will independently investigate complaints against the police. This is the third significant police reform legislation passed by Metro Council since May.  The creation of the Civilian Review board joins legislation passed banning no-knock warrants and limiting LMPD use of force. 

While these reforms are significant, several Metro Council members are looking to state legislators to provide further accountability. A resolution filed by Metro Councilman Markus Winkler lays out three significant policy changes.  Firstly,  it would give the newly formed Office of the Inspector General subpoena power.  Additionally, the resolution calls for an amendment to the Kentucky Open Records Act to mandate police departments release body camera footage, 911 calls, and other communication after critical incidents.  Finally, it requests permission to allow public officials to make public comments about incidents before the completion of an investigation. Lawmakers will have a chance to review this resolution and others when the State Legislature reconvenes in January.

The Civilian Review Board ordinance now heads to Mayor Fischer's desk where he has indicated previously that he would sign it.

View meetings, review ordinance drafts, and see more news from the Civilian Review Board work group here.

Stay Connected!

There is great work happening here in the office, and most importantly, in our community. It is our goal to keep you engaged, involved and co-leading our important work. Our vision for Louisville is a city of safe neighborhoods where everyone is supported, free of violence, and prepared for lifelong success. We can only achieve this together, so stay connected with our monthly newsletters, social media, and visit our website for more information and additional calls to action.

Past OSHN Newsletters can be viewed here.

We would love your feedback. If you have questions or concerns regarding our newsletter, or have a related event that you would like to communicate with our networks, contact Joe Newland.

Take care of each other.
#BeThe1

OSHN Team