04-05-06 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Further comments on the report from Hardie Blake, Violet Hawkins, Katrina Robinson, and Bill Hinkle focused on the report indicators of racism, the dollars allocated to address the cycle of poverty breeding gang violence, and finally whether "Ceasefire" was the best organization to address these problems. Karen White then asked those in favor of 17-06 to comment. Dawn Jones, SBCSC Board Member and V.P. of "Ceasefire" cited that of 21,000 kids in South Bend Schools only i/2 graduate from high school. Social, economic, and educational alternatives need to be provided to these dropouts. Currently "Ceasefire" through the YMCA's youth services serves 300 kids. With the grant 200 more could be reached. Nikki Lawson, President of Ceasef re, said the focus should be not on crime statistics; but the causes and alternatives to crime. She said kids need to see an option to crime. Father Chris Cox, St. Adalbert's "Cease-fire" board member, described "Ceasefire" as an intervening approach to crime and violence not a reactive one. He stressed the epidemic nature of violence. Speaking apposed to the appropriation at Karen White's invitation was Bill Hinkle. He stated he was nat opposed to "Ceasefire" yet sees it as re-active nat pro-active. Violet Hawkins stressed a need to explain the racial implications of the arrest study. Hardie Blake strongly advocated the need for additional resources. He questioned whether "Ceasefire" was the best organization to address the needs. He described another group called "Men of Scars" and emphatically advocated their competency as an alternative to "Ceasefire." He provided handouts describing the group and their approach and their frustration in securing funding. (These handouts are attached) Ann Puzzello brought up the problem of "bullying" in our schools. SBPD Division Chief Darryl Boykins stated both "Ceasefire" and "Men of Scars" can help the SBPD. Turning to Councilmembers far comments Karen White stressed the Council's awareness of problems in the community and their determination to address them. Charlotte Pfeifer wondered if the City needed to bring all resources together to identify the problems, focus on the most effective ways and providers to address them. Roland Kelly agreed with the notion of marshalling resources to focus efforts.