Euclid HOPE Task Force
Thank you to our community partners at Euclid Hospital for hosting the third meeting of the Euclid HOPE Violence Reduction Task Force on Monday, April 10.
Our April meeting was attended by Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail, Euclid Schools Superintendent Chris Papouras, Police Chief Scott Meyer, and Asst. Fire Chief Will Anderson, along with Euclid Municipal Courts Judge Patrick Gallagher. Other participating organizations include the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Grace Community Church, Moore Counseling & Mediation, Lakeshore Christian Church, Church of the Epiphany, Euclid Hunger Center, Euclid Chamber of Commerce, Euclid Kiwanis, and ReNounce DeNounce Violence Interruption Program.
To start the meeting, Rev. Rosalind Hughes led a moment of reflection, and each member of the group shared his/her perspective on their personal or professional commitment to reducing gun violence in Euclid. Epidemiologists from the County Board of Health discussed the value of data and interventions focused on a public health approach to violence reduction. Mayor Gail shared a proposal from Case Western Reserve University Community Innovation Network to lead a Community Engagement Process: Reducing Gun Violence by Taking Action Locally.
If approved by the Task Force, the Community Innovation Network will lead us through a four-phase process of listening and connecting with the community, sharing what we learn during the listening process, envisioning a safer future together, and taking steps to implement our shared vision. Research shows that successful violence reduction efforts include existing strategies that have been proven to work and new initiatives that are unique to our community.
A specific program need that has been identified through engagement with Judge Gallagher and chief probation officer India George is for young adults aged 18-25 who come through Euclid Municipal Courts with a first-time weapon offense, non-violent charges. Discussions are underway to pro-actively support these men and women in meaningful ways that would reduce the likelihood of committing any future criminal activity.
Residents who would like to receive updates and information about program planning and community meetings can visit bit.ly/hope-task-force to join our contact list.
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month. The HOPE Task Force will be connecting with the community at the East 200th Street Stroll on June 3 and the second annual Guns to Gardens event on June 10 (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) at Church of the Epiphany, 21000 Lakeshore Blvd.
Guns to Gardens is a safe surrender and buyback event. Community members are invited to “safely dispose of unwanted or unsecured guns to help reduce the risk of homicides, suicides, unintentional or accidental shootings, domestic violence, and to keep guns from getting into the wrong hands.” This is a “no questions asked” and 100% anonymous opportunity to reduce the number of guns in our community. Surrendered guns will be safely deconstructed and transformed into garden tools, art, jewelry, and other life-giving elements.