January 2022 Newsletter

January 2022 Newsletter

Louisville Skyline, Muhammad Ali

Due to COVID-19, we were unable to have our Interfaith Vigil for Louisville's victims of gun violence in 2021. As we embark on a new year, the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods encourages everyone to watch the following video and reflect on those who lost their lives to gun violence in 2021. Pause...Say their names and honor them with action. We can end gun violence. We must do better. Click here to watch the video.


OSHN Highlight: The Capacity Building Fellowship

This monthly OSHN spotlight aims to inform and educate the public about key initiatives and innovative programs that we partner with to enrich our community.


The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) is excited to share the application for their inaugural Capacity Building Fellowship.  The Capacity Building Fellowship’s goal is to build capacity of/and support organizations within the city to facilitate evidence-based, equity-centered violence prevention efforts. This initiative is an opportunity to invest in, and institutionalize, violence prevention standards by building capacity and supporting organizations doing great work in Louisville.

The Capacity Building Fellowship will provide trainings and technical assistance to help grassroot organizations overcome self-identified barriers to be more successful and sustainable in their efforts.  In addition, selected applicants will receive up to a $20,000 grant to support their mission.  Please see the application and flyer for eligibility.  The application will be open until Saturday, February 5 at 11:59pm. For more information contact Jacob.hazel@louisvileky.gov

Apply for the Capacity Building Fellowship here

CBF

Upcoming Events


networking night

Virtual Networking Night

Networking Nights are an opportunity to get to know the change-agents doing the work in violence prevention. They provide a space to learn about volunteer opportunities, share your work, learn about resources, and connect with partners working to create a safer and more equitable Louisville.

Join us on Tuesday, January 25th at 6pm. Due to the rise in COVID, this event will be held VIRTUALLY.

We will hear from several partners including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Interfaith Paths to Peace, KentuckianaWorks, OSHN's Community Mobilization Initiative, and more.

Registration below is required.  

For more info, contact Jacob.hazel@louisvileky.gov

Reg Here
feb26

One Love Ambassador Training

Learn the tools needed to make a difference in your community! Our next Ambassador Training will be held in-person on Saturday, February 26th from 9:00am - 3:00pm and we will meet at the St. George Episcopal Church located at 1201 S. 26th Street.

Participants will be trained in Mental Health 101/Suicide Prevention, Community Organizing, Stop the Bleed, Conflict Resolution, Domestic Violence Awareness, and The Public Health Approach to Violence.  Join over 500 participants who have completed the training since its inception in 2017. If you have ever wanted to learn how you can get involved in violence prevention, this is your chance!

Registration below is required.

Reg Here
JanEvent

Ending Homelessness in Our Lifetime

January 23rd at 2:30pm Louisville Free Public Library will host a virtual panel discussion. LFPL will be joined by a dynamic group of community leaders who are actively pursuing solutions on both individual and governmental levels. They will explore how can we, as a city, work to make sure all of our citizens live with a sense of security and a place to call home.

Homelessness is something that touches each and every one of us, whether we recognize it or not. Local leaders, you can raise your voice and hand and learn about what you can do to address this community wide issue.

Registration can be completed using the link below or text (502) 574-1623 to get a link.

Reg Here
Buzzword

Metro United Way: Beyond Buzzwords

Join us Tuesday, February 22nd at 9:30am! Beyond Buzzwords is a Metro United Way speaker series on diversity, equity and inclusion that is designed to provide thoughtful and meaningful discussions about important topics that promote thinking as well as personal and institutional application. 

Please join us for the seventh event of the series featuring Isabel Wilkerson, author of the critically-acclaimed, New York Times bestsellers The Warmth of Other Suns, and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents!

This event is virtual and participants will receive a link upon registration. 

Registration link can be found below.

Reg Here

Online Reading and Learning

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


Header

As we begin the new year, cities across America continue to struggle to curb increases in deadly gun violence. This report from the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) Violent Crime Working Group outlines 10 short-term actions leaders can take to reduce community gun violence – without the need for large expenditures or new legislation.

The plan, Saving Lives: Ten Essential Actions Cities Can Take to Reduce Violence Now, is a playbook of sequential actions that Group members agree are most likely to make the greatest immediate impact on violence. The list is not comprehensive, and the Group comprised of 16 leaders from law enforcement, public health, academia, and community violence-intervention programs emphasized that it is not a substitute for long-term strategies and investments that address poverty, inequality, racism, and other underlying causes of crime. Click here to read the full report. 

Voting

Lean Into Louisville

Lean Into Louisville is a series of activities, art exhibits, conversations and presentations to explore and confront the history of and legacy of all forms of discrimination and inequality.

This series will focus on the Voting Rights Advancement Act. This live virtual forum will discuss the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act - why it matters, it's impact in Louisville, and how to activate your power through education, advocacy and voting!

To watch the recorded event, please click here.

report

The Marshall Project: Homicide Clearance of 2020

This report explores the homicide clearance rate of 2020. For homicide detectives, 2020 brought good news and bad news. On the one hand, police across the nation solved more murders — in absolute numbers — than in any year since 1997, according to data reported to the FBI. On the other hand, because new homicides increased sharply, the reported rate at which killings were solved, known as the “clearance rate,” declined to a little below 50%.

To learn more about the homicide clearance rate and it's ramifications,  click here.

Finalreport

Kentucky’s Search Warrant Task Force Issues Final Report

In December of 2021, The Search Warrant Task Force, chaired by Attorney General Cameron, comprised of 18 members, including citizen members, representatives from the law enforcement community, legislators, judges, prosecutors, the Kentucky League of Cities, the Kentucky Association of Counties, the NAACP, and the public advocate announced the release of the Task Force’s final report.

The report provides eight recommendations, which the members approved by consensus and which reflect hours of deliberation and debate among the Task Force’s diverse membership.

NM Art

The Trace: How an Artist in New Mexico Uses Murals to Start the Conversation About Gun Violence with Young People

This article explores the intersection of art, trauma and gun violence. Warren Montoya guides students in New Mexico through public anti-violence art projects that help them name their trauma. Click here to read the full article.


Community Board

Take a look at some of the latest news, resources, and events in the community.  Keep your community informed by sharing these with family, friends, and neighbors.


NAMI Louisville: Crisis Text-Line

You are not alone. It's OK to not feel OK, but if those feelings become too much to handle on your own... Please reach out for help.
There are many options for national and local numbers to call on our website. The newest in the Crisis Line options are "text lines".
Not everyone feels comfortable calling a stranger and talking or even saying it out loud.
That's OK too. Text NAMI Lou to 741-741 and someone will answer who can help you when you need it most.
NAMI

The YMCA Safe Place Y-NOW

Y-Now program is a mentoring program for children that have/had an incarcerated parent. Y-NOW is currently seeking mentors to support this amazing population. 

More information is here

No experience is necessary, just heart and commitment. Training is provided. To learn more about volunteering with Y-NOW, call or email Brittany Leon at 635-4393.

y-now

ReEVOLUTIONARY: Poetry On The Move

Friday, January 28th 6-9pm - Join us for our poetry night, ReEVOLUTIONARY: Poetry on the move we have special performances from our local artist along with amazing poets and the legendary Dahveed Nelson, founder of the last poets.

For tickets you visit the to Revolutionary Black Panther Party Corporation events page or visit the Eventbrite page. 

We welcome all community and partners for an evening of greatness from our hometown!

Location: Roots101: African American Museum (124 N. 1st. St.)

BlackPowerWeek

Louisville Community Centers: Art Classes

Instructor George Taylor is offering three different classes at several of our Community Centers now through March. These classes are open and welcome to artist of all levels! If you're looking to acquire or refine a particular artistic skill, the Metro Arts Center has a fun, affordable class for you.

Registration is required for all classes and begin immediately from 9:00am to 6:00pm at one of our 5 sites; Beechmont, Joe Creason, Southwick, Sun Valley, and Mary T. Meagher. 

For more information or to sign-up for a class today click here.

Artclasses

Keep Going Scholarship Application Now Open!

Russell: A Place of Promise, the Youth Resistance Collective, and the Community Foundation of Louisville have created a scholarship after Travis Nagdy, a 21-year-old social justice leader in Louisville who lost his life in late 2020.

The scholarship is named "Keep Going" in honor of his signature motto and is open to Black residents in West Louisville ages 17-24 that are enrolled in a post-secondary non-profit institution. Applications are open and will close on Friday, April 1st, 2022.

Link scholarship application here.

KeepGoingScholarship

Call the LOU HEALTH Helpline

As the COVID numbers rise do your part to stay healthy and safe, and ensure others are as well! Take all Covid precautions, such as getting vaccinated and boosted, social distancing, wearing masks and hand washing. If you test positive and have questions call the Lou Health Helpline available 7 days a week.

COVID Testing:

-Residents can register to get tested at the new Churchill Downs site from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday here: https://my.primary.health/l/churchilldowns

-All JCPS middle and high schools (JCPS student, family member or staff) https://spheredx.sphere.health/?page=covid.

C-19

Parents of Eligible JCPS Seniors: Applications for the Evolve502 College Scholarship are Open!

The Evolve502 Scholarship applications are now open for the Jefferson County Public Schools Class of 2022. The scholarships are for students who would like to attend any college in the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, including Jefferson Community & Technical College and Simmons College right here in Louisville. Scholarship recipients can pursue an associate degree, a professional certificate, or take 60 hours of credit tuition-free.

Click here to apply!

E502

Seven Counties Services 

Seven Counties Services offers 24/7 assistance in times of crisis and remains dedicated to providing quality services to our community.

Seven Counties has served 34,000 people in our community through  programs since 2019.

If you or someone you know struggles with mental health, substance use, or a developmental disability and is seeking help, please contact Seven Counties Services!

Any community member can also make a referral for services via our website at: https://sevencounties.org/referral/

SC resource

Trauma Resilient Community: Let's Heal Together

TRC is offering free AF-CBT and RTT counseling services to South and West Louisville residents.

What is AF-CBT? Alternatives for Families - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is a trauma-informed treatment to manage grief, anger, anxiety, and stress. Learn how to solve problems effectively and address family conflicts.

What is RTT? Racial Trauma Therapy is an evidence-based intervention providing trauma-informed therapy to those who have experienced race-based trauma and stress.

For more information contact Nannette Dix at 502-612-0450.

TRCFlyer

News and Announcements


Louisville leaders hold city’s first GVI call-in meeting

On January 12th, Leaders from throughout the Louisville community, including representatives of Metro Government, Metro Council, the criminal justice system, businesses, and the non-profit and faith communities, held a Group Violence Intervention (GVI) “call-in” meeting with members of groups in the city known to be driving the increase in violent crime here.

The message was simple: The city has and is offering the tools necessary to live a better life. Accept this offer and stop the violence, or you and your group will feel the full weight of the criminal justice system.

Louisville launched GVI in the fall of 2020. The approach, which leverages an intentional collaboration among law enforcement, social service providers and community members, was first implemented in Boston in 1996-97, and resulted in a 63% drop in youth homicides, which became known as the “Boston Miracle.” The GVI approach has since been used successfully in cities large and small with positive results: a 42% decrease in gun homicide in Stockton, Calif., a 44% reduction in gun assaults in Lowell, Mass., and a 41 percent decrease in group-involved homicides in Cincinnati.

To read the full report, click here.


City announces operator of Safe Outdoor Space

On January 18th, Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS)  announced it has selected an operating manager for the city’s Safe Outdoor Space, a pilot project where individuals experiencing homelessness can live temporarily outdoors, with access to food, showers and outreach services, located at 212. East College St.

Local nonprofit The Hope Buss will oversee the $1.5 million project to outfit and operate the Safe Outdoor Space. The Hope Buss was founded by Stachelle Bussey to combat hopelessness by addressing community crisis and root causes, including homelessness.

Called “The Hope Village,” the Safe Outdoor Space will be equipped with tents, portable facilities, water and electricity access, and client-centered case management, which will link residents to community partners who provide supportive services. Services will include a Common Assessment, which identifies housing needs, substance abuse counseling, mental health, and housing navigation.

The Hope Village pilot project is just one of many efforts the city has made to end homelessness in the community. To read more, click here.


Mayor announces City of Ali to air on KET, new school curriculum created to honor The Greatest

In celebration of Muhammad Ali’s upcoming birthday, Mayor Greg Fischer announced several ways to honor The Greatest, including Kentucky Educational Television’s (KET) airing the City of Ali documentary and a new middle and high school curriculum created to teach students about the impact Muhammad Ali had on his hometown and the world.

City of Ali is a documentary that examines the impact of Muhammad Ali’s amazing life, looking at his journey from the neighborhoods of Louisville to all the corners of the globe and ultimately back again, when he came home for his final rest, and brought the rest of the world with him.  

As part of a partnership with the Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Metro Government, and the creators of City of Ali, Anti-Racist Specialists Aven Cook and Rachel Klein have created a comprehensive 86-page curriculum guide that is custom-made for the middle and high school students of Louisville and throughout Kentucky “Honoring The Greatest Through ‘City of Ali’ - A Comprehensive Curriculum Guide for Middle and High School Exploration” includes lesson plans with writing and discussion prompts as well as learning targets geared toward specific Kentucky Academic Standards.

In celebration of Muhammad Ali’s upcoming 80th birthday, KET will air City of Ali on Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 20 at 9 p.m.

To read the full article, click here.


Application for the External Agency Fund Competitive Grants 

Louisville Metro Government began accepting External Agency Fund applications on January 13 for Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023). These grants, funded through the city’s General Fund, are awarded to non-governmental or "external” agencies that contribute to the city's cultural, social and economic vitality.

External Agency Fund (EAF) grants are awarded annually to nonprofit organizations offering programs or services in Jefferson County that align with the Mayor's strategic goals. The competitive grants are available for Social Services programs, administered by the Office of Resilience and Community Services, and for Arts and Creative Industries programs, administered by Louisville Forward.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, February 3, by 5 pm.

For more information about External Agency Fund grants and to access the applications and guidelines, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund. Please email all questions to EAF@louisvilleky.gov


Stay Connected!

There is great work happening here in the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, and most importantly, in our community. It is our goal to keep you engaged 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