UW-EXTENSION: Local group KCOR seeks to end violence in community | Local news

We need an innovative solution to create lasting change in our community to interrupt cycles of violence and keep our community safe.

A year ago, several community members saw this need and came together to form the Kenosha Coalition Organizing Resolution (KCOR). KCOR is a local coalition of community leaders who have joined forces to design and rally Kenosha around an agenda to end violence through de-escalation and peer support.

KCOR has now launched its Neighborhood Violence Interruption and Prevention (NVIP) program, which includes a team of local “violence interrupters” trained in de-escalation, trauma-informed care and community strengthening techniques.

KCOR operates a 24 hour hotline to dispatch these switches at any time to stop the violence before it happens.

KCOR members use their community connections, connections to local resources, and training to solve problems and meet community needs.

Since launching the NVIP program in July, KCOR has defused armed clashes, prevented escalation of domestic violence, lobbied for new street lights for a neighborhood facing significant nighttime violence, and supported families after losing a loved one. because of gun violence.

Additionally, KCOR has hosted four outdoor events in communities with high rates of gun violence, filling the streets with music, games, school supplies and more.

But these are not just neighborhood parties. These events build stronger communities. They are essential for the prevention of violence in Kenosha.

Part of KCOR’s success lies in its local partnerships.

A strong relationship with the Kenosha Police Department allows KCOR to help bridge the gap and build trust between the community and the police. This is crucial.

Ensuring that KCOR can intervene safely and prevent violence to the extent possible is essential to breaking the cycle of mass incarceration.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with KCOR and facilitate the growing relationship between KCOR and Extension Kenosha County. Extension supports KCOR to build capacity and partnerships with Kenosha County resources.

The town of Kenosha has also been an important partner, providing KCOR with a block community development grant of $ 47,000 in August. Having just been featured at KABA’s Inspire event, it’s exciting to imagine what KCOR can accomplish with the community that rallies around it.

To reduce violence in Kenosha and prevent division, we must unite. I believe KCOR is the perfect vessel to make this change. It is time for us to think outside the box to prevent violence.

It’s time to take a chance – or rather seize the opportunity – to work with new local organizations and come together as a community to solve this problem.

Follow KCOR on https://www.facebook.com/KenoshaCOR/ to find out more, check out their upcoming prom to raise awareness about their work, and join the conversation about violence prevention in Kenosha.Erica Ness is the Positive Youth Development Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin Extension Kenosha County.(tncms-asset) b91a5efa-9227-11ea-b558-00163ec2aa77[0](/ tncms-asset)