A New Name for Citizen Involvement

 In large measure, citizens drive what we do to build solutions that reduce local violence. To illustrate that fact, we’ve changed our community outreach division’s name from The Ambassador Institute to The Reimagine Network. The new name better reflects what citizen volunteerism actually does in our communities: renew, revitalize, recharge, realign, and work in tandem to realize that accepting violence as routine can’t ever become a way of life. Citizens are the force that reimagines the local violence landscape when they network and pool resources and ideas, when they work directly with organization that offer hands-on remedies for violence, and when they collectively mobilize to change small, neighborhood issues that can fester large issues. OSHN looks forward to what citizens will suggest in 2023 as they REIMAGINE for a more just, more peaceful community.

Celebrating a New “Friendship”

In late December, we celebrated Chanukah with our Jewish-faith friends from the Louisville-based “Friendship Project,” an affiliation of the Chabad of Kentucky. The celebration’s highlight was religious freedom, kindness and their partnership with OSHN for a new “Friendship Corner,” where individuals and families associated with our Pivot to Peace program will have access to new clothing and household and personal items as they work in tandem to reduce their risk of violence. OSHN’s “Corner” is one of many that the Chabad has facilitated for at-risk individuals throughout Louisville and the Commonwealth. We look forward to the difference it will make for those battling the effects of chronic violence in their communities.

2022 Night of Remembrance

An estimated 200 people attended the fifth annual “ Night of Remembrance” a solemn event held in early January at Bates Memorial Baptist Church in Smoketown. The event honored and remembered the 160 individuals lost to violence locally and also those lost to suicide. The event was so-sponsored with the local chapter of Moms Demand Action, a national group that advocates for sensible gun laws. Volunteers representing the age, race and economic diversity of Louisville’s communities, lit a candle for each name as it was voiced by a gun violence survivor.

To watch a complete recording of the Night of Remembrance here.

YES! Youth Cabinet

The YES! Youth Cabinet has arrived! The first icebreaker meeting included words of wisdom from Deputy Mayor Nicole George and general instructions on OSHN’s community mission and work focus.

The Cabinet is a unique addition to city government as they will work directly with each Metro Council Member representing their home district and advise on youth-centered issues -  equity, youth voice inclusion and the functional  barriers created by systematic  “isms.” OSHN is actively looking for youth representatives in Districts 2,7,10,11, 18 and 19. Any youth interested in becoming civilly involved, who is a Jefferson County resident and from 16-24 years of age can apply by first emailing: YES@louisvilleky.gov.

Networking Nights

Register early for the next Networking Nights because this will be a great one! The presenters are outstanding, known in the community and effective. Come listen to what they have to say and then JOIN THEM!

- Whitney/Strong Organization is made up of gun violence survivors, owners, and advocates concerned about lives lost to gun violence. It was founded by Whitney and Waller Austin after Whitney was shot and survived. Their mission is finding common ground to end gun violence through data-driven, responsible gun ownership solutions.

- Redline Performing Arts fosters community through arts justice and a community action program that produces a thriving arts culture in marginalized communities. It puts people over profit and elevates action onstage and in our community.

- Reviving Urban Schools, or RUN, is the community basketball league and serves as a philanthropic catalyst for radical change in underserved communities. Its mission is to revive the urban community by generating and supporting opportunities that embody community enhancement.

Contact ReImagine@louisvilleky.gov for more information. Registration is required, please register below. 

Grant Opportunities for Louisville Non-Profit Organizations

Louisville Metro Government (LMG) will begin accepting applications on January 18, 2023 from local non-profit organizations for programs or activities that contribute to the city's cultural, social, and economic vitality. These grants, which are funded through the city’s General Fund, are awarded to non-governmental or "external” agencies for LMG Fiscal Year 2024.

Applications will be accepted from Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 8a.m. to Friday, February 3 2023, at 5pm.

For more information or to apply, scan the QR code or visit 

 Louisville Metro Department of   Public Health and Wellness Aims to   Improve Mental Health Resources

Trauma, stress and economic pressures have increased the  prevalence of anxiety and depression in our community.

While there is more awareness of the importance of mental healthcare, many residents do not know where to start the search for a provider.   

In response to this, The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) finds it necessary to improve mental health resources available to residents in Jefferson County. LMPHW has secured approximately $400,000 in federal funding that will go toward enhancing mental health resources and suicide prevention methods over the next two years. The money will fund an improved service provider directory and also go to organizations like Americana Community Center, Louisville Urban League and Queer Kentucky to help host events focused on suicide prevention training and addressing issues that impact the mental health of underserved populations. 

To learn more about this initiative, visit MentalHealthLou.com.

Financial Counseling Services Available to Louisville Residents With Disabilities

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services has announced a new collaboration with National Disability Institute that provides enhanced, free financial counseling opportunities for Louisville residents with disabilities and their families. As part of this initiative, financial counselors, coaches and other service providers in the Louisville area received specialized training in effective financial counseling for people receiving Social Security disability benefits. 

Sessions will be offered both in-person at various sites as well as virtually or via phone. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request.

To learn more about the initiative and to schedule an appointment with a trained counselor, visit the FHE website at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/financial-health-equity-project. 

Review of Metro Council in 2022

As the year came to a close, the members of the Louisville Metro Council reflect upon a very productive year. Tasked with approving the annual city budget, protecting and passing important legislation, and representing the residents of each district, the Metro Council is responsible for much of the advancement of city initiatives. 

For a complete list of all major accomplishments by the 2022 Metro Council, click here.

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.