How to Stop Violence, One Peer-Parent to Another

Even though GNP’s main strategy is affordable housing, our real focus is upon community building in the North of Howard area. A key component of strong communities is mental wellness, including developing skills and strategies with coping with the stresses within every community. We are pleased that we have the resources this summer to work at empowering parents to help support their teens. The violence prevention practices incorporated into this program have shown significant deterrence of violence. Moreover, these practices have a sustained effect.

As a component of Governor Quinn’s Neighborhood Recovery Initiative from the State of Illinois, the Parent Leadership in Action Network (PLAN), identifies parents and other caregivers of color, who have been "through the fire" in dealing with their own life struggles and have navigated the tricky waters of raising adolescents. This group of parents are paid for part time work doing community education and outreach to their peers (other parents).

 In-depth training is provided by GNP Chaplain, Nora Wilburne, and her two Lead Coordinators, Michelle Love-Wesbrooks and Drew Williams. The parents are versed on violence prevention, mental wellness, communication and other critical issues. After long hours of training and dedicated personal development, these parents are ready to lead their peers and be "teachers" and "ambassadors" in the neighborhood.

 "This program is an answer to prayer", says Wilburne, "The reconvening of the elders to fulfill the African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, by utilizing the strong oral tradition of the African and Latino communities."

 Peer-to-peer communication is recognized as the most cost-effective and culturally relevant way to reach and influence parents, leaving important parenting skills in the community and strengthening families and increasing the support system for local youth.

For more information contact Nora@goodnewspartners.org or visit www.ivpa.org/funded-programs/governor’s-neighborhood-recovery-initiative and www.meeproductions.com