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)CITYOFSOUTHBEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK kind of partnership with the City is a part of what makes that work and is also really grassroots and hardcore. You heard how connected they are with their mentors and mentees. I know some of the kids and I see them in schools and they are leaders everywhere they go. They are sometimes wearing their shirts or whatever, but you can really tell the difference. They walk and talk differently. They just look different. So, I believe it has everything to do with the creativity, the hard work and connections they make. This particular organization is also rooted in the work of restorative practices and I think that is also a big piece that really ties it together with their mentors, mentees and with the community. That kind of hard work that goes into it feeds the youth into something that is also very practical is the perfect combination. I'm really looking forward to being able to support this kind of program but then also encourage the type of mentorship programming, even opening it up to other groups and looking at this as a model. Mentorship is not the same everything and that is what I'm saying. The type of mentorship that Kory and Transformation Ministries does is on a whole different level. So, it would be nice if they could spread the work they do. So, thank you. Mr. Lantz replied, Thank you so much. Mr. Perri stated, We agree, and we love the partnership. We will be rolling out, later this spring, a video that highlights this. As a matter of fact, I'll email you all the draft. We need to shout this from the rooftop. It's not enough to just do the work,we have to tell people about it. So,I appreciate the Council's support there. Councilmember Karen White stated, I think that is an excellent point because there are individuals within the community that are one (1), not aware, and those who are, think this program is not effective or we are not implementing the program. So, I think the more we can do to tell our story with the work we are doing and how the work came about, and showing that we are invested in these programs, will not only impact the work but also the individuals. Mentoring and working with individuals, we see outcomes. I think it is important we start to frame all our different programs to really make sure our community is aware of the success of them as well. Councilmember Williams-Preston stated, Real quickly,let me just say it is important for us to also recognize this kind of programing is hitting other targets like reducing violence by building peace. When we engage our kids in strong relationships with adults, mentoring, and giving them opportunities, this is one (1) of the proactive ways. I'm always talking about in-reach and we can start talking about this as one (1) of those examples of who we are by doing other things. We are not just calling the Police to solve our problems with violence. We are approaching it from a proactive stance. So, I think that is important to remember. Mr. Perri stated, I will kind of go rapid fire on a couple of these. I always like to remind people, MySBParksandTrails.com is the best place to keep up with all these projects. Renderings, timelines,whatever the case may be,that is the place to go. Some of the big ones right now,though, Howard is well under construction. If you've driven by there, you're noticing the transformation. Limestone is going up as we speak. All in all,that is targeted for Thanksgiving Weekend for grand opening.We have selected,through a competitive bid process,the vendor to operate the café. That will be a private vendor, Mark Tamer, the owner of South Bend Chocolate Café. It will not be a South Bend Chocolate Café, but he will be the operator. He is working on his concept now. That will be open alongside the rest of the facility. Leeper Park is going out to bid soon as well as the west back trail work. So, that is work you will see happening this summer and finishing up by the EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227 W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov 5