STOP IT works to curb the trend of violence in Grand Rapids

"If we want safe communities, we all have to get involved," says Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk.

Following a spike in violent crime in Grand Rapids, organizations, including LINC Community Revitalization (1167 Madison Ave., Grand Rapids) joined together with local clergy and other community leaders to form STOP IT. The community initiative, which seeks to increase safety in Grand Rapids through the collective effort of private and public organizations, is built on the belief that violence is a community issue and thus needs a collective community response -- authentic community dialogue and collaborations among partnering organizations.

Guns, gangs, drugs, and convicted felons are just a few of the concerns discussed at a series of meetings held by LINC earlier this year. The Johnson Center for Philanthropy prepared a report from those discussions, and George Grant Jr., dean of the College of Community and Public Service, presented the report at a meeting organized by STOP IT on April 11, 2013, at Gerald R. Ford Middle School.

The Johnson Center's report indicated that violence is triggered by several factors: a lack of attention paid to the needs of the city's youth, an accepted culture of violence, discrimination, the availability of guns, and a sense of hopelessness. Of particular note is the feeling of hopelessness in the community. Some people felt they would not live to be 21.

Participants suggested several ideas for action, including block parties to increase a sense of community; direct mentorship between adults and youth; building a bridge between inner-city youth and positive peers; partnering with local businesses and organizations to provide jobs; and enforcing the curfew.

Founded in 2000 and originally known as Lighthouse Communities, Inc., LINC offers housing, economic development, construction, and neighborhood services. LINC has several initiatives, from a "Keep the Lights On" pledge to a "Buy local, Hire Local" economic campaign.

Get involved:
- Call LINC at (616) 451-9140 to find out how you can get involved to STOP the violence and START the healing.
- Follow the STOP IT Facebook page.

Source: Tyler Lecceadone, Seyferth PR
Writer: Victoria Mullen, Do Good Editor

Images: Courtesy of STOP IT