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INFORMATION RELATED TO LOCAL GUN VIOLENCE |
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 The "Cost" of Gun Violence in Louisville
This report is a comprehensive overview of the total cost of gun violence in Louisville. After every shooting their is a multifaceted response that when all is said and done, needs to be paid for. This repot break down the cost of a homicide or injury shooting, from the crime response (police, EMS, fire departments), the hospital (trauma care and stay), criminal justice (investigation and trial), the incarceration, and victim support (rehabilitation, social benefits,). This report finds that on average one homicide costs Louisvillains $934,115 and $508,897 per non fatal shooting.
Full Report
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Networking Nights
This is an opportunity to gain knowledge of what front-line organizations are doing to fight violence in our city
Come to our July "Networking Nights" on July 25th from 6pm to 7:30 at the Republic Bank Foundation YMCA. This is a great way to get connected, learn and collaborate with local, violence-specific organizations.
These organizations will speak on their work and impact and answer any questions.
Dinner is FREE.
For question or more information email: reimagine@louisvilleky.gov or Register Here
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Portland Expungement Clinic
Are you in need of legal advice? Do you need help filling out forms? Do you have a criminal record that limits your ability to succeed in life?
In association with the Goodwill Industries, come and speak with experts in the fields of law and criminal justice.
September 28th from 9am to 11 at the Portland Community Center.
To register scan the QR or click here
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TRC Five Year Summit
Not understating our current challenges, we have a lot to celebrate regarding Louisville’s trauma-informed care abilities.
In the last five years, by working together, we’ve developed a network of support and cooperation that has given real change.
You are invited to the one-day “Trauma Resilient Communities Project” five-year summit event to get firsthand knowledge of what has changed, what is planned and how we’ve moved forward in ensuring anyone in Jefferson County has access to mental health assistance. Spots are limited. So please CLICK HERE to reserve your ticket.
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OSHN Summer Youth Programs |
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School's still out so there is still time for youth to enroll in Summer programs
The Louisville Department of Parks and Recreation has extended community center hours this summer in partnership with OSHN to accommodate teens looking to be engaged, learning and safe this Summer.
Program offerings run the gamut from web design to gardening, cooking, sports and tutoring.
To learn more or for questions email YES@louisvilleky.gov or call your local community center.
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SPOT ON!
OSHN staffers have some of the most unique jobs in Louisville.
Get to know them here at SPOT ON!
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OSHN employee volunteers to help manage major community event
Ravon Churchill is the Victim Services Coordinator for the Trauma Resilient Communities, the mental health division at OSHN.
His job is to quickly connect with the families of homicide victims and offer support services paired with trauma and mental health assistance.
“It’s very emotional work,” he said. “Even if that homicide victim was caught up in something, they were loved by someone. And losing them is hard for that someone.”
“I never tell people I know what they are going through because I don’t. But I can put them in front of people who do and of course offer the right assistance. So that helps. And it’s important that I be that way. In this work, if you aren’t genuine, people can spot that. It’s important to make people feel safe and comfortable. I have about two minutes to do that.”
Ravon believes his nomad-like childhood gives him good footing in handling the diverse emotions, demographics, and personalities of devastated or hurting family members.
“I lived in Louisville and Long Beach, Calif. As a kid - just back and forth. I went to 13 different schools, so I formed a lot of relationships with a lot of different people.
Since 2016, he has volunteered as one of two organizers at Louisville’s Dirt Bowl Tournament in the city’s West End. That work requires long hours, making a lot of phone calls and staying organized. He’s been involved in the event since he saw his father compete at the games when Ravon was a kid. “It’s been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played in the late 1980s and my team actually made the final four.”
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Do You Have an Idea on How to Help Curb Violence?
If yes, share that idea and maybe win cash!
The Crescent Hill Community Council is sponsoring a "Curbing Gun Violence in Jefferson County Competition.” The winner will be awarded $4,500 for the best new idea, or a new take on an existing idea to address violence in Louisville. Entries will be accepted until midnight on October 4, 2023. More information and RULES FOR SUBMISSION here
REQUIREMENTS:
- Ideas must be typed with minimum 10 point font and no more than 1 page total, or 500 words in length.
- Include 3 action steps to implement the idea.
- The idea must be “do-able” with the resources available in Jefferson County, KY.
- The winning idea may be a new idea, or a fresh look at an old idea.
- Anyone can enter. The contest encourages school-age children, young adults, and those living in assisted living and nursing homes to participate.
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Youth Ride TARC for FREE! this Summer
Any Louisville youth, aged 6 to 19 and accompanied by an adult, will ride TARC FREE all summer.
The youth will need a current MyTARC student-ID. Adults will need a MyTarc card and must be with the eligible student at the time they obtain the pass." More Information Here
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Planet Fitness Summer Passes for Teens
Until August 31st, teens aged 14 to 19 can work out for FREE all summer long! The Planet Fitness franchise is also holding a contest that could lead to grants for several area high schools and individual scholarships. For more information Click Here
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THINGS TO DO AROUND LOUISVILLE |
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Movies in Iroquois Park
Iroquois Park has free movies most Wednesday all this summer. From classics and musicals to action and Sci-Fi - there's something for everyone!
Iroquois Park Amphitheater
1080 Amphitheater Rd.
Ph: 502-368-5865
www.iroquoisamphitheater.com
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Free Concerts at Douglass
The Douglass Community Center is holding FREE outdoor music concerts
Saturdays until August 5th
Concerts start at 3pm
Youth aged 13 - 18 and who arrive early, who can receive a FREE food truck ticket!
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Parkhill Community Field Day
Louisville Metro Housing Authority, Louisville Sports Commission and partners are hosting a community field day. Come enjoy music, food, sports and games in the field adjacent to the track by the Parkhill Community Center.
August 3rd from 11am to 2pm
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MOMS 4th Annual Walk A Mile in Our Shoes
The Kentucky chapter of MOMS: Mothers of Murdered Sons and Daughters, will hold its 4th annual "Walk a Mile in Our Shoes." This will include performances and speakers - all related to violence reduction.
This FREE event is:
August 26th at 3pm to 6pm
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
1701 West Muhammad Blvd.
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LOCAL NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Michael Bogan named Director of Group Violence Intervention
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"Mayor Craig Greenberg has hired Michael Bogan as the new leader of the Office of Group Violence Intervention (GVI), a comprehensive partnership with local, state and federal agencies aimed at helping young people involved with groups or gangs find a new path away from violence and crime. - As GVI Director, Bogan will lead a three-person team tasked with reaching out to known gang members in Louisville."
Read Full Article Here
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Louisville Metro awards $22.2 million for affordable housing
"Since January 2023, the city has dedicated $37.2 million for affordable housing as part of the Mayor’s initiative to build 15,000 affordable housing units over the next four years."
The following projects received funding:
- The Prestonian, a 345-unit mixed-income housing project from LDG Development, received $10 million to create 145 affordable housing apartments within the development.
- Beecher IV LLC was awarded $1 million, which will fund the creation of seven units within its 210-unit Phase IV redevelopment.
- Habitat for Humanity received $273,020 to construct four single-family homes.
- River City Housing was awarded $1,789,583 to renovate nine existing affordable single-family homes and construct five new ones.
- Family Scholar House was awarded $7 million to construct a 60-unit multi-family housing project called the Family Scholar House Medical Center Campus.
- Wellspring and Woda Cooper Companies received $2,187,697 to fund the creation of 42 affordable units as part of its 90-unit Bridlewood Crossing development.
Read Full Article Here
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2023 “Safe Summer Kickoff” was a fun, safe start to Summer!
OSHN held its second annual “Safe Summer Kick-off” with five simultaneous events at the end of June that provided youth and their families a place to start Summer in a safe place and with lots of fun and family attractions.
The events were held at community centers in the Parkhill, Newburg, Southwick, and Portland community centers and at Baxter Square Park in Russell and showcased local youth talent and merchants selling one-of-a-kind clothing and jewelry and unique foods. Those attractions included petting zoos, inflatables, water slides and even dunk tanks.
“We’ll be building on this event each year because this is important to the communities that we serve,” said Joe Newland, community outreach program manager at OSHN. “But I say that knowing next year will be our challenge because this year was just that great.”
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IF YOU CAN DO IT - DO IT!
Become a Community Coalition Member
A major responsibility of OSHN’s Reimagine Network division is “community mobilization.”
That is a tried-and-true term for neighborhood coalition-building, an influential platform where everyday residents have hands-on involvement in the fight to defeat violence. And these coalitions matter because when a community mobilizes, change happens.
This is where people transcend their differences and work tangibly and in earnest. Coalitions are powerful forces in addressing inequities through their grass roots activism.
OSHN employs a team of project specialists that work exclusively in mostly targeted, distressed communities to help coalitions address issues ranging from the placement of street lighting to food insecurity. The specialists are driven by ideas and issues that citizens prioritize. To connect with a project specialist and explore becoming a coalition member, just email Reimagine@louisvilleky.gov.
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WE WOULD LOVE TO TABLE YOUR EVENT!
OSHN’s mission is to reduce the risk of violence in all of Louisville’s communities. If you have an event or festival that we can table and share what the city is doing to holistically reduce violence and how it affects you and our community - We Want to Come! Please just click HERE to fill out our tabling request form or go to the website at Office for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods | LouisvilleKY.gov We’ll look forwarding to meeting you.
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.
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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
The Reimagine Network
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The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods is always for looking community spaces to host our Ambassador Training and Network Nights events. If you know of a community space please contact our coordinator, Jacob Hazel. |
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