On May 15, the Chicago Police Department’s 15th District Community Policing Bureau held its second monthly Community Wellness Outreach Fair, distributing free resources to local residents in and around Austin.
The idea for the event came from the District CAPS Office’s Domestic Violence Subcommittee, which investigates allegations of domestic violence and assists victims. The event was held at noon at the Brian P. Pickett Funeral Home to reach those affected by domestic violence.
“We were thinking of someone who, if you’re in a crisis, your abuser won’t know you’re out because it’s lunch time,” said Metasha Young, a domestic abuser. 15th District Regional Police Office Liaison Officer. “And if they were to monitor their location, they wouldn’t know because the restaurant is right across the street.”
Mr. Pickett, of Brian P. Pickett Funeral Home, is also a member of the District 15 CAPS Domestic Violence Subcommittee.
In the back parking lot of the funeral home, visitors can pick up diapers, clothing, hand sanitizer and books, stop by for domestic violence support resources or visit BUILD’s mental health mobile van. did.
“If someone comes in and they’re in a crisis, or they walk around and look at things and say, ‘OK, maybe you’re dealing with something,’ they immediately take that person in and start talking. , let them evaluate,” Young said. of BUILD, a violence prevention and youth development organization.
Other area agencies affiliated with District 15 CAPS brought in whatever resources they could donate.
Maryville Academy provided temporary childcare services for parents suffering from domestic violence. We Care 2 Agency brought in diapers, clothing, blankets, and feminine products. There was also a free lunch of sandwiches, chips and juice. Other partners hosting this monthly event include Beard Admin Services, Beautifully Scarred, PLCCA, Street Priests, Taproots, Westside Rising, and more.
Young said the first community outreach event, held in April, was a success. No one had a count of how many people stopped by, but organizers said they received positive feedback from the community.
“Most people just say, ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for being here,” Young said. “When people come out, we see a lot of smiling faces. That’s the most important thing.” I did,” he added.
Young said the District 15 CAPS office will maintain its usual location for health support events and will add pop-up resource events around Austin.
“Eventually, we’re going to have pop-ups in different locations. We’re hoping to see a need there and be able to meet that need,” Young said. “We’re going to go throughout the community and try to build the same type of environment, but probably on a smaller scale.”
The next community wellness event will be held on June 16 and will be moved down the street to the corner of La Vergne Street, which Madison St. Young said will be more visible and where people will be more likely to gather. He said that.
“It will be like our first time doing a pop-up,” Young said. “We’re just trying to be more present.”
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