Evanston/Skokie Center & Y.O.U. Sponsor Forum on Youth Violence Prevention
Two Evanston-based youth development organizations will host a local forum to address community concerns about youth violence. “A Community Conversation on Empowering Youth to Prevent Violence” will be held beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 2100 Ridge Ave., 4th floor, Evanston. The forum is being co-sponsored by Metropolitan Family Services Evanston/Skokie Valley Center and Y.O.U. and is open to the public.
“We have gathered a distinguished panel to help explore the problem of gun and sexual violence in our community, identify risk factors for youth violence, and identify strategies and resources to address the problem and to empower youth,” said Raquel McCormick, Community Development Director, Metropolitan Family Services.
Panelists include:
- Steve Bynum, Senior Producer for “Worldview,” WBEZ-FM’s weekday global affairs program, Panel Moderator
- Heather Flett, AM, LCSW, ICDVP, Program Manager for Metropolitan Family Services and creator of “Take Back the Halls: Ending Violence in Relationships and Schools”
- Kevin L. Brown, J.D., Community Services Manager, City of Evanston Parks, Recreation and Community Services Dept.
- Melody Rose, LCSW, Clinical Coordinator, Y.O.U.
- (Sally) Craige Christensen, Violence Prevention and Outreach Coordinator, YWCA Evanston/North Shore
“We are very pleased to join Metropolitan Family Services to encourage an ongoing dialogue on this important topic,” said Seth Green, Y.O.U. Executive Director. “We invite parents, education professionals, other agencies that serve our young people – in short – all those who want to talk about the ways we can address this issue – to join us.”
Two free CEUs will be offered for counselors, social workers and certified domestic violence professionals. Free parking is available onsite.
About Metropolitan Family Services Evanston/Skokie Valley
Metropolitan Family Services Evanston/Skokie Valley Center helps families and individuals struggling with relationships, abuse, grief or loss find the help they need, and has been part of the community since 1910. Metropolitan Evanston/Skokie Valley is part of Metropolitan Family Services, which has been empowering Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities since 1857. Learn more at metrofamily.org.
About Y.O.U.
Since 1971, Y.O.U. has provided services and leadership to meet the emerging needs of young people and their families. Each year, Y.O.U. serves over 1,000 youth and touches more than 4,000 family members with a holistic set of services that includes after-school enrichment, emotional support, and mentorship. These services ensure youth success across all of their different environments – in school, at home, in the community, and in moments of crisis. Learn more about our impact at www.youevanston.org.