Cure Violence
Promoting Peace and Safety in McKees Rocks: Our Approach
The efforts led by Mike Mott and his team at PACS, under the umbrella of Cure Violence Global, in McKees Rocks demonstrate a profound commitment to community well-being and violence prevention.
Here's a breakdown of their approach and activities:
Community Engagement: The team actively participates in community and school events, engaging with students, families, businesses, and other community members. Our goal is to build awareness, establish connections, and provide essential resources and contacts to empower individuals.
Proactive Prevention: Recognizing the importance of proactive violence prevention, the team focuses on interrupting potential conflicts, changing behaviors, and mobilizing the community to redefine norms. Their presence at events contributes to building awareness and establishing connections with community members, which is essential for sustainable change.
Culturally-Appropriate Approach: Cure outreach workers are trained in a culturally-appropriate and trauma-informed approach to connect with individuals at the highest risk of violence. This ensures that interventions are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the community, maximizing their effectiveness.
Resource Provision: Beyond discussions on the consequences of violence, the team facilitates access to social services such as job training and treatment. By providing essential resources and contacts, they empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives, reducing the risk of violent incidents.
Crisis Response: In the event of violence, the team swiftly responds to cool down emotions and prevent retaliations. They work closely with victims, their friends and family, and anyone else connected to the incident, offering mediation and support to resolve issues peacefully. This immediate intervention helps prevent further escalation of violence within the community.
Long-Term Support: The team provides ongoing support to individuals involved in violent incidents, sometimes following them for months to ensure their well-being. This includes offering mediation, counseling, and other forms of assistance to address underlying issues and prevent future conflicts.