LIMA, Ohio – A coalition formed to address violence in Lima and Allen County is increasing its outreach to the community.
The Community Violence Prevention Coalition, founded two years ago, has been researching best practices, outreach strategies, and pilot programs aimed at achieving long-term change. Coalition members emphasize that no type of violence exists in isolation; cultural, personal, sexual, and gun violence, among others, frequently overlap. With approximately 35 members, the coalition says it is prepared for a call to action to make a difference in the area.
Erin Ostling Burkholder, director of outreach and prevention at Crime Victim Services, stated, “The goal is to raise awareness about what anti-violence is and how easy it is to choose anti-violence approaches in our daily lives. So we’re working on a marketing and apparel campaign to raise awareness about how each of our individual behaviors affects the larger culture.”
Residents who believe that everyone should feel safe, valued, and heard are encouraged to participate. More information can be found on Facebook by searching “Lima Community Violence Prevention Coalition.”
