Oct. 1, 2024 e-Newsletter | |
Welcome to the IMPACT GNV e-newsletter, created to keep you informed on the City of Gainesville's gun violence prevention efforts and the impacts those have. | |
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This quarter, IMPACT GNV participated in the first meeting of the Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance. The Alliance is a collaborative partnership between the Gainesville City Commission, the Alachua County Board of Commissioners and Santa Fe College that is working to bring a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders and community members together to address the rise of gun violence in our area.
During these last three months, the Alliance has gathered feedback from the community to begin planning the path forward. The Alliance is hosted by Santa Fe College and convenes on the second Wednesday of each month. All meetings are free to attend and open to the public. For more information on the Alliance or to register to attend an upcoming meeting, please contact Dr. Asha Brunings at asha.brunings@sfcollege.edu.
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September is Suicide Awareness Month. While suicide tends to get less attention than other forms of gun violence, suicides do account for most gun-related deaths in the United States. Suicide prevention is a priority year round and it is important to know how to offer help to someone who might be in distress. Here are some tips for supporting a friend or loved one who might be struggling and in need of support.
- Help connect the person to a crisis helpline or professional
- Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- Express concern and support without judgment. You might offer supportive statements like: “I can see you are struggling. How can I best support you?” or “Can I help you call a counselor?”
- Be patient. It’s important not to argue or offer advice. It may take time for your friend or loved one to accept help.
- If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or supporting someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide. You are not alone. Help is available.
Adapted from National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI).
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Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Workshops | |
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These two- to four-hour workshops are hosted in collaboration with Alachua County Crisis Center for community members and social service providers to learn practical tips for supporting someone experiencing a crisis. To date, GFR has provided these workshops to over 100 community members and service providers. These workshops are free and are a great resource for community groups, youth groups, church and neighborhood watch groups.
The next Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Workshop is Friday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Catalyst Building, located at 606 SE Depot Ave. To register to attend this upcoming opportunity or to bring this training to your community, please contact GFR Community Health Director Brandy Stone at StoneBL@gainesvillefl.gov.
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Collaboration between Gainesville Police Department, Gainesville Fire Rescue and Alachua County Community Support Services to respond closely after incidents of gun violence to offer support services, trauma-informed outreach and public safety information. | |
The B.O.L.D Program is currently accepting referrals for new clients. Clients of the B.O.L.D. Program will work directly with staff to determine and set goals and create a plan to achieve those goals through mentorship, support and case management. The B.O.L.D. Program assists individuals in achieving academic success, job readiness, vocational training and skill-building. For more information about the program or to schedule an appointment, contact Director Diamond Smith smithdg1@gainesvillefl.gov. | |
IMPACT GNV is working with the Willie Mae Stokes Community Center to provide outreach and violence interruption services. The Willie Mae Stokes Community Center has recently partnered with NSpire FL for violence interruption. Violence interrupters are trusted members of the community, and work with individuals who are most likely to transmit violence in order to disrupt the spread. IMPACT GNV is excited about this new partnership and the impact it will have within our communities hardest hit by violence. Learn more about NSpire FL online. | |
On July 27, One Nation One Project GNV hosted the Summer (You)th Celebration to culminate the work done throughout the two-year project. Co-lead by Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs and Gainesville Fire Rescue, ONOP GNV aims to increase art and cultural engagement for youth in the Gainesville community to enhance well-being and reduce youth gun violence. Over the course of the day, more than 750 community members joined in the celebration of arts and well-being. | |
The day began at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, with an artist and ONOP GNV project showcase hosted by local artist Yvonne Ferguson. In the evening, guests attended the HeART Wall ribbon-cutting, followed by performances by Wé Ani, special guest Wendell Pierce, Austin Paul Jr., Smooth Flava dancers, Star Center Theater, Who's In The Box (Unplugged) and others. The event was produced by ONOP GNV Artistic Director Marion Caffey, who was honored with a key to the city and a proclamation declaring July 25, 2024, as Marion Caffey Day in the City of Gainesville. | | |
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ONOP GNV at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center | |
Marion Caffey Day at the City of Gainesville | |
One Nation One Project Steering Committee | |
The GNV Youth Steering Committee was formed in February 2023 to elevate youth voices in addressing youth gun violence through arts and culture to create well-being. This committee meets monthly and is led by the Youth Services Division of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The group assists with guiding the work of One Nation One Project GNV and helps with special events. In August, the Youth Steering Committee presented a summary of prevention and intervention strategies to address youth gun violence, with an emphasis on the arts, culture and well-being to the Gainesville City Commission. Watch their presentation online.
The Youth Steering Committee will continue their work under the leadership of Cherie Kelly, youth services and education programs manager for Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Through their work, they will continue to tackle many important issues facing youth in Gainesville and Alachua County including gun violence and will use their expertise and lived experiences to help inform the work of IMPACT GNV.
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