Success StoryEngage



Engage

Author: LeChrista Finn

Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences

Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Violence is a number one public health threat in the United States and like other communities, Lexington has seen an increase in the number of violent crimes as well.  In response to this issue, Kentucky Sate University Cooperative Extension Health Specialist has endeavored for the last four years to support communities in the Commonwealth to address domestic violence, gun violence and bullying in minority and under-served communities.  Her initial forum helped to identify community leaders and partners who are doing the work to combat violence.  In the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2019, several interested leaders convened to discuss a more strategic approach to address violence.  This group was represented by concerned individuals, school systems, higher education, faith-based organizations, and advocates who are interested in change. For four months approximately 20 participants engaged in a non-violence training entitled , "Engage" by Pace E Bene Institute. A certification training was conducted over the course of three days and community leaders in the group were encourage to identify a common problem with a common solution that would benefit individuals in the Lexington community.  This group is continue to work with existing relationships and establish new ones to make an impact on the violence in their community.