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In response to increased violence in the community, ALSO created the Violence Prevention Initiative and soon after partnered with the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention to address the issue. Through the Violence Prevention Initiative and the CeaseFire program, ALSO develops partnerships between community-based organizations, residents, clergy, law enforcement, business and civic leaders, and corporate and philanthropic organizations. Together, these diverse groups focus on a single goal: to reduce violence in all forms in targeted CeaseFire Zones within Chicago and other communities in Illinois. ALSO works to interrupt violence through outreach, intervention, education, and community awareness.
The Illinois Attorney General’s Office funds the ALSO to assist victims of crime to utilize the state’s Crime Victims Assistance Program. The program assists families and individuals who become innocent victims of crime by navigating the reimbursement application process to recoup the money spent in response to the crime as well as to identify services available to help victims and their families successfully recover from the trauma – physically, emotionally and financially.
ALSO’s after school programs, called Project Connect, provide young people pro-social and academic experiences that challenge, inspire, teach and entertain over 60 young people each year. Funded by the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, Project Connect further supports youth and families by providing a safe place during the at-risk hours when children are out of school and parents are still at work.
Maggie Pagan
Director
Violence Prevention Initiative
mpagan@also-chicago.org
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