With Chicago homicides and shootings at their highest levels in five years, community organizations on the South Side are working to provide safe spaces and programs where neighborhood youth and young adults can learn, lead, be active and express their creativity. Some of these programs also provide direct violence intervention, while others offer support to those who have experienced violence-related trauma.
Southland RISE (Resilience Initiative to Strengthen and Empower) has awarded $150,000 to 15 of these grassroots organizations for summer 2021 programs – a 50% increase over last year’s awards. These programs are centered on such activities as reading, education enrichment, training in conflict resolution, digital storytelling, community building, mentoring, music instruction, sports and more.
One of the 15 grant awardees is Englewood-based Public Equity. With the grant funding, the group is planning to engage rival neighborhood sects in peace talks while cooking and sharing meals virtually.
