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July 2022 Newsletter
 In 2020, suicide resulted in over 45,000 fatalities in the US and over 800 in Kentucky. An increase over the last decade has resulted in Congress designating the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 dialing code provides direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experience mental health related distress. The dialing code became available to everyone across the United States this week. Learn more about the 988 dialing code here.
Upcoming Events
Dirt Bowl Resource Fair and Community Event
Goodwill Rise and The Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods look forward to hosting one of their largest community events yet on August 7 from 1-5pm. The event will take place on the championship day of the Louisville Dirt Bowl located in Shawnee Park.
Entertainment includes pop-up shops, a fashion show, kids’ fun zone, giveaways, food and more! The event will feature booths from several community partners including the Black Business Coalition, Louisville Urban League, Seven Counties, YMCA, and more. To volunteer for this event, click here. If you are interested in tabling the event, click here.
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July Networking Night
Do you want to know how to get more involved in violence prevention work? The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) would like to invite you to be a part of the next Networking Night. This is an opportunity for citizens to get to know the change-agents doing the work in the Louisville area. Our July 26th presenters include the Salvation Army, Hip-hop Into Learning, and Restorative Justice.
Join us on Saturday July 26, 2022 from 6:00p-7:30p. This will be an in-person event held at the West Louisville YMCA, 1720 West Broadway Louisville, KY 40203. Food and refreshments will be served!
Contact jacob.hazel@louisvilleky.gov for questions.
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Ambassador Training
The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) would like to invite you to be a part of the next One Love Louisville Ambassador Training! This is an opportunity for citizens to help us create a safer Louisville through information and hands-on learning provided by experts in Stop the Bleed, Conflict Resolution, Mental Health 101, Domestic Violence Awareness, The Public Health Approach to Violence, and Community Organizing.
Join us on Saturday August 20, 2022 at the Louisville Free Public Library's Main Branch. This will be an in-person event, and food and refreshments will be served!
Contact jacob.hazel@louisvilleky.gov for questions.
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Louisville TRC Project Resilience Academy
Please join us for the upcoming Louisville Trauma Resilient Community Project Resilience Academy on August 30th and 31st. This two-day training event is being offered at no charge. The project's overarching goal is to enhance coordination and alignment of the city in Trauma-Informed Care and promote healing and recovery from race-based trauma, community violence, and unrest in West and South Louisville. As a participant, you will receive foundational training in the Trauma Resilient Community (TRC) Model. The only requirement to be considered for this opportunity is that participants must work for an organization that serves the communities of West and South Louisville.
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Ambassador Spotlight
OSHN offers multiple avenues for civic engagement to help move this important work forward. We aim to highlight these partners, referred to as violence prevention ambassadors, here.
The Community Mobilization Initiative, operating in the Russell, Shawnee, Smoketown, Portland, Newburg, and Parkhill neighborhoods, have been meeting monthly to discuss anti-violence initiatives in their neighborhoods. Recently, one focus has been ensuring youth programming and supports are available over the summer. While neighborhood initiatives vary, some include firearm safety trainings, gun locks, Stop the Bleed kits, a monthly movie-night series, community/peace gardens, a basketball league, youth YMCA summer passes, solar lights, and more.
In addition, some neighborhood coalitions partnered with local churches and community centers to stock their food pantries over the summer! Pictured above, Bates Memorial Church (along with others) will ensure undisrupted service for youth, young adults, and other vulnerable food insecure populations this summer in the Smoketown Neighborhood.
If you live or work in one of the above neighborhoods and are interested in joining their anti-violence neighborhood coalition, please contact tonesha.hearn@louisvilleky.gov
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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.
 Land Development Code Reform Forum
The Land Development Code (LDC) regulates how land throughout Louisville Metro is used and built upon. The LDC Reform is an equity focused approach to revise the LDC consistently with Plan 2040 to allow for increased housing choices and opportunities in new and existing neighborhoods. The Reform continues to move forward and plans outlining the content are under consideration, and strategies for outreach and engaging with the community in 2022-2023 are now available. Before submitting recommendations to the Planning Commission and Metro Council, they want to hear from the community. There are two in-person visioning sessions this month: July 26 and 27. Learn more about how to attend here.
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Education Advocacy Conference
Join the Bookworks and the Coalition Supporting Young Adults for the Education Advocacy Conference on Tuesday, July 26th at the Louisville Central Community Center! The conference is designed for anyone in the community interested in assisting youth to re-engage in school including educators, community organizations, local and state leaders, parents, court and foster care professionals, community outreach and peer support specialists, high school and college student services, and young people.
This event will highlight more than 20 programs and services in schools and the community. Registration for the conference is FREE. Register here.
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Annual Gun Law Scorecard
Each year, Gilford Law Center analyzes gun legislation in all 50 states, assigning laws and policies point values. States are ranked and given letter grades, which are then compared to the most recent gun death rates released by the CDC. For over a decade now, the data has shown that commonsense gun laws prevent gun violence. See how Kentucky stacks up to other states and recommendations for improvement on the annual scorecard.
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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.
Parkland Plaza is here!
The Parkland Neighborhood is getting a new cultural plaza and green space. Parkland Plaza, in partnership with Louisville Metro, the Community Foundation of Louisville, The Center for Neighborhoods, and most importantly, Parkland residents, has been transforming from a vacant parking lot at 28th and Dumesnil into a cultural plaza in the heart of the Parkland neighborhood. It will include a playground, community garden, room for outdoor performances, and space for retail vendors.
Join the fun on Saturday July 23, 2022 from 2pm to 6pm. The Parkland Plaza is located at 2757 Dumesnil Street and registration is not required. There will be music, fun and vendors.
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Young Adults Wanted | Paid Research Study through the University of Louisville
The Kent School of Social Work is looking for feedback from young adults on their opinions towards family and relationships. This is a paid opportunity, and participants can earn up to $200. Youth and young adults will offer feedback regarding a program administered through group-based workshops and individualized success coaching.
This workshop meets at the University of Louisville Belknap Camus starting Monday, July 25 through Friday, July 29 from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Dinner and snacks will be provided. To participate, scan the QR code to the right. For more information, contact UL.EmpowerYou@gmail.com
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YouthBuild Now Enrolling
YouthBuild Louisville assists young people in meeting significant life goals. This includes preparing for college and careers by providing services in education, vocational training, community service, case management, placement, and post-graduation support.
YouthBuild is now recruiting for their next class. You must be between the ages of 18-24 and still need your GED to qualify. Participants will receive a weekly stipend while they work toward their career and educational goals. Program completion also makes select graduates eligible for college scholarships and job placement services. Submit your application today!
For questions, contact info@yblky.org
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Back to School Giveaway in the Portland Neighborhood
Join A-ONE All Stars, The DELTA Foundation, Lost Boys and Girls Foundation, and Schooler Prep Academy in the Portland neighborhood as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The Back to School Giveaway will be held at 2500 Portland Ave Louisville, KY 40212 on Sunday August 7, 2022 at 1pm. Families will be eligible for one backpack per person with school supplies while supplies last. Don't miss this event!
For more information about summer youth programming and more upcoming events, check out the A-One All Stars and Delta foundation website.
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Free Firearm Safety and Stop the Bleed Classes EVERY Tuesday
This two hour training meets every Tuesday from 5:30pm-7:30pm located at 3900 West Broadway. Participants will learn the basics to firearm training including safe handling, storage, and local laws. Participants will also learn Stop the Bleed basics including packing a gunshot wound and using a tourniquet. Participants will receive a free gun lock.
To register, contact Darwin Belliard at katanasavage@protonmail.com
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is Seeking Mentors
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana (BBBSKY) is recruiting Bigs to serve as mentors for children in all of Louisville’s neighborhoods! You have a BIG opportunity in front of you— to not only impact a child’s life today— but to transform their potential for tomorrow.
IT TAKES TWO! 2 people- the mentor and the child, 1 year commitment, 2 outings per month, 2 total hours per month! This is a powerful way to make a difference in a young person's life that will affect them for years to come!
For more information on how to become a Big, click here or scan the QR code to learn more.
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West Louisville Hospital Leadership Needs Your Input
Norton Healthcare is partnering with Goodwill industries of Kentucky to open the first hospital in West Louisville in 150 years. This survey is designed to ensure the new hospital will have what the community needs and wants. This survey is completely confidential and, and the information provided will only be used for input on the new hospital. Scan the QR code to the right to participate.
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News and Announcements
Mayor announces ‘Safe Summer Bash’ funding for comm-unity programs to keep city’s youths active and engaged
Mayor Greg Fischer joined representatives of the city’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) and its Youth Engagement Services (YES!) team, as well as Louisville Parks & Recreation to announce the 50 recipients of city-funded grants for the “Mayor’s Safe Summer Bash” initiative, aimed at keeping Louisville’s youth active, engaged and safe this summer.
YES! – formerly known as the Office for Youth Development and now a division of OSHN focused on engaging youths in violence prevention and learning healthy lifestyles – is funding the grant program, one of many violence prevention and intervention efforts embedded in Mayor Fischer’s “whole of government, whole of city approach” to public safety.
“We know that keeping our kids safe and on a productive path this summer starts with providing them safe, productive ways to spend their free time,” the Mayor said. “And our city is blessed with so many community partners that are doing just that. We are pleased to be able to support those partners with this ‘Safe Summer Bash’ funding.”
Continue reading here
City, community partners launch Financial Empowerment Center, offering financial counseling as no cost public service
Mayor Greg Fischer announced the grand opening of Louisville’s Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), in partnership with the Louisville Urban League and the national nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund). The Louisville Financial Empowerment Center offers professional, one-on-one financial counseling as a free public service to Louisville residents.
At the Louisville FEC, professionally trained financial counselors will help residents with low and moderate incomes manage their finances, pay down debt, increase savings, establish and build credit, and access safe and affordable mainstream banking products.
According to Prosperity Now, nearly 20% of Louisville households have zero or negative net worth, meaning they owe more than they own, and 40% do not have sufficient savings to cover a financial emergency. Furthermore, Louisville households of color are disproportionately represented in these statistics. The Louisville FEC is a financial empowerment strategy with intentional partnership between Louisville Metro Government and the Louisville Urban League to address public health and racial wealth disparities.
“The Louisville FEC will serve as a critical missing piece in our city’s efforts to tackle systemic disparities among our residents in income, home ownership, generational wealth building, and access to credit,” said the Mayor. “To close the racial wealth gap, we must address several challenges facing our households of color by providing access to safe and affordable financial products and services, expand on opportunities to increase income and savings, and increase access to wealth building opportunities. When our residents are financially secure, they are in better positions to buy homes, support city businesses, and contribute to our local economy.”
Continue Reading Here
Neighborhood Place partner agencies host seven Back to School events
Saturday, July 23, Back to School Festival at Valley High School, 9 a.m.-noon.
(10200 Dixie Highway; for more information call 502/363-1483.) This annual event will be a drive-thru format this year and is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last, and families can stay and join in the fun in Valley High’s courtyard.
Tuesday, July 26, Back to School Event at DuValle Education Center/Carter Elementary School, 5-7 p.m.
(3610 Bohne Ave.; for more information, call Elisa Freeman-Carr at 502/313-4635.) This drive-thru event will provide free backpacks, school supplies and snacks for youth 18 and under, while supplies last.
Saturday, July 30, Back to School Bash at Olmsted Academy North, 9-11 a.m.
(4530 Bellevue Ave.; for more information, call Mrs. McNally at 502/437-4756.) Free backpacks and school supplies will be provided while supplies last (students must be present). Other resources, uniform assistance and entertainment will also be available. Sponsored by JCPS’ Family Resource and Youth Services Center, Louisville Metro RCS and UofL Health.
Tuesday, Aug. 2, Back to School Event at Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 10-11:30 a.m.
( 9100 Marksfield Road. Cars must enter this drive-thru event from S. Chadwick Rd./Hurstbourne Baptist Church area; not Whittington Parkway. For more information, call 502/574-5787.)
Thursday, Aug. 4, Back to School Fest at First Gethsemane Center for Family Development, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
(1159 Algonquin Pkwy. For more information, call Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place at 502/634-6060.) Open to families with students in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks with essential grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last.
Friday, Aug. 5, Back to School Festival at Northwest Neighborhood Place at The Academy at Shawnee, 9 a.m.-noon.
(4018 West Market St. For more information call 502/313-4909.) This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last.
Saturday, Aug 6, 2022, Back to School Festival at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
(1501 Rangeland Rd. Call 502/313-4700 for more information.) This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last.
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 Joseph Newland.
Take care of each other.
#BeThe1
OSHN Team
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