As part of the comprehensive response to recent tragic violence that impacted the community, the City will host a community outreach event tonight, Sept. 15, providing opportunities for residents to access resources as well as space to mourn, reflect, process and discuss next steps.
The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Ingalls Elementary School, 1 Collins Street Terrace. Community members are invited to learn about the resources available and share their concerns.
“As we continue to collectively recover from these traumatic events, it is important that we provide opportunities for people to share their feelings, questions, anxieties and concerns and share updates on our response,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said. “We want to make sure we have the right supports in place for anyone who may be in a vulnerable state.”
There has been targeted outreach to the neighborhoods where the incidents occurred. Attendees will be encouraged to write down questions and concerns. Organizations that empower high-risk youth in the community or provide services for helping people cope with trauma will be in attendance. They include RAW Art Works, which will make a presentation on art therapy, and Riverside Trauma Center, which will discuss exposure to trauma. Broader information about after-school activities, youth programming, and violence prevention will also be shared.
“The City Council condemns all violence in our neighborhoods and will provide whatever resources are needed as we work together to make our residents feel safe,” said Councilor-at-Large Brian Field. “We all deserve to live in peace and without fear of violence.”
Representatives of the mayor’s office, Lynn Police Department, Essex County district attorney, Lynn Public Schools, and the public health department will also be in attendance.
“We encourage parents to come and learn about the resources and initiatives the city has in place to positively engage our youth and to combat violence,” said Dr. Evonne Alvarez, superintendent of Lynn Public Schools. “We want this to be a space where parents feel comfortable expressing their ideas and sharing ways LPS can best support them and our students during difficult times.”
