*POSTPONED: Due to winter weather concerns this event is being rescheduled. Please join our email list to make sure you receive updated event details.

Join Hope Task Force special guest Myesha Watkins, the inaugural Administrator of the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention, in a visit with Hope Task Force to discuss countywide efforts to reduce violence by addressing its root causes, connect survivors and families to support services, and coordinate a countywide public health approach before, during and after violence occurs. To learn more, read this recent Op-Ed, To Reduce Violence We Must Invest in Communities, featured in Crain’s Cleveland:

“We approach violence like a disease. It clusters, it spreads, and it is preventable. Most violence grows out of unmet needs such as poverty, housing instability, untreated trauma, and lack of opportunity. Wraparound services can break the cycle and prevent trauma from becoming generational violence. Research shows every dollar invested in community violence intervention yields between $3.50 and $17.70 in benefits. Beyond return on investment, there is a return on humanity. Violence prevention is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement or social services. It demands collective action from residents, health care providers, educators, philanthropists, and government and business leaders. Healthy communities are safe communities, and safe communities are the foundation of a strong economy.”