‘Peace in Motion’ presenters outline violence-prevention programs, youth jobs and grief support

City staff and community partners described the Peace in Motion comprehensive plan and recent program activity to the Housing and Community Development Committee on April 9, highlighting new supports for people affected by gun violence and pilot employment programs for young people.

“We call it Peace in Motion because we know that the work of addressing and preventing violence has not stopped at any point,” the plan’s lead presenter said, describing a cross-sector effort involving public safety, community organizations and schools.

Presenters cited year-over-year reductions in violent incidents: the presentation said Toledo saw a 31% reduction compared with a 12% reduction in 2023, and an 18% reduction in 2024, noting that the gains are uneven and younger people remain disproportionately affected.

The presentation summarized ongoing programs and new actions under the plan: a live Healing and Compassion Fund (a donor-advised fund administered through United Way) to provide gap support for families affected by shootings; a “Save Our Community” case-conferencing process that meets biweekly to review incidents and coordinate responses; and a violence reduction council that convenes cross-sector stakeholders quarterly to examine emblematic cases and make system-level recommendations.

Staff described service delivery and workforce development efforts that already are underway or piloted: a paid summer lawn-mowing pilot that hires 20 young people for 24 hours per week at $20 per hour for six weeks, paired with employment case management and pathways to future bids and work; stipends and youth leadership opportunities funded through the Lucas County Family and Child First Council and Cities United; and plans to provide ReWire CBT training and certify local trainers for frontline staff.

The team also described trauma-response capacity-growth. Staff said several employees have been trained in the NOVA Community Crisis Response Model for post-incident support and that the program is piloting “safe passage” escorts for students walking to school. The plan includes a proposed pilot of a Handle With Care notification process with Toledo Public Schools so first responders can notify schools when a child has experienced an adverse event, enabling trauma-informed supports without sharing private case details.

Multiple community members and service providers addressed the committee during public comment, offering first-hand accounts of the Save Our Community program. Christine Hickman said Save Our Community staff “go just so above and beyond,” describing personal support while her son was missing. Bryson Davis, violence director at Wilbur High School, described the work of violence interrupters and the emotional toll on staff, urging colleagues and officials to support staff wellness. Several family members and providers credited interrupters and outreach staff with preventing further violence and helping bereaved families.

Committee members praised the plan and urged continued coordination with schools, juvenile justice and the police; staff said they are establishing partnerships with juvenile justice for referrals and group programming inside detention, and with Cities United and other national partners for technical support. No formal council action occurred during the committee meeting.

Ending: Staff said they will continue quarterly public updates and return as needed to report metrics and request further support for sustaining programs.