LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – A coalition formed to address violence in Lima and Allen County is stepping up its efforts to engage with the community.
The Community Violence Prevention Coalition, established two years ago, has been researching best practices, outreach strategies and pilot programs aimed at making lasting change. Coalition members emphasize that no form of violence exists in isolation — cultural, personal, sexual, gun violence, among others often overlap. With about 35 members, the coalition says it is ready for a call to action to make a difference in the area.
Erin Ostling Burkholder, director of outreach and prevention at Crime Victim Services, said, “To really, kind of raise awareness about what anti violence is, and the ease that we have in choosing anti violence approaches just in our everyday lives. So we're working on kind of a marketing campaign and apparel campaign to really raise raise awareness of of how each of our individual behaviors can impact that larger culture.”
Residents who believe everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and heard are encouraged to get involved. More information is available on Facebook by searching “Lima Community Violence Prevention Coalition.”
