R2023-152 Resolution Authorizing Approval of Proposal from Old King's Orchard Community Center for Violence Intervention Services

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August 3, 2023 TO: Mayor Pro-Tem Lisa Gregory& Members of the Decatur City Council FROM: Scot Wrighton, City Manager RE: Agreement with Old King's Orchard Community Center(OKO,CC)for Violence Intervention Services In addition to the CDBG-CV monies previously provided by the city to the OKO,CC for urban agriculture and a recreational field, it is recommended that the City Council now authorize the city manager to enter into a separate agreement with OKO,CC for violence prevention and youth intervention services—funded by Senator Turner's Community Development&Violence Prevention grant in the amount of$215,000—in accordance with the attached documentation. The City Council has already approved a general grant agreement with the State of Illinois for the disbursement of Senator Turner's grant funds. The original grant summary envisions this program expenditure, along with certain other Police Department specialized equipment purchases, and the previously announced and approved urban agriculture project with The Good Samaritan Inn. These different grant components, in the aggregate,total $1 million. The attached program description from the Old Kings Orchard Community Center summarizes the enactment of this portion of the Senator Turner grant, specifically setting aside monies for violence intervention and prevention in Decatur.Sadly, some violent offenders have already embraced the gang life to such an extent that this program may not turn them around. But many others, often youthful offenders or"gang wannabes", are not yet hardened and can still be diverted from destructive behaviors that lead to violence, if they are exposed to the right kind of interventions, coaching, connection to alternative activities, personal mentoring and other individualized appeals. While this violence intervention program is a one-time investment by the city and the State of Illinois,the OKO Community Center has identified a funding source for a continuation of this program, if it is judged to be successful.