did they ever do any actual mediating? all i ever saw or heard of them was the prayer circle thing. i try not to carp about where my taxes go, with the exception of the pentagon. but i did have a problem with what appeared to be a state financed religious organization.
Since when did G-Rod become a Republican? I don't understand how a guy who grew up on the streets of Chicago can cut funding for orgs like this and completely ignore the derelict condition of the CTA. Shame on G-Rod.
I can't really speak to how many youths they have been able to turn in the right direction, but they were certainly very helpful in the summer of 94 when we were dealing with the first gooning outbreak. They showed up on neighborhood walks, intervened and calmed the kids, helped out with block parties...just to mention a few of the good things they did.
Whenever I ran into a pan handler who told me he/she was fresh out of jail and wanted to get off the streets, I sent them to the Cease Fire office and often called Vernandez to alert him.
Some could have been giving me a line in the hope of a few bucks, but I do believe that some were really seeking alternatives.
One of the weaknesses in our system is we set our criminals free, after they have done their time, with no valid ID, no money in their pocket and no place to go rather than back in the street.
Very few shelters, including Safe Haven, have space for them. They do their time and get released, still they are given few choices upon release other than returning to a life of crime.
I tend to agree with Been There on circle prayers and peace walks, but I did feel Cease Fire was a valuable organization in mediating with at risk youths, teens and adults.
3 comments:
did they ever do any actual mediating? all i ever saw or heard of them was the prayer circle thing.
i try not to carp about where my taxes go, with the exception of the pentagon. but i did have a problem with what appeared to be a state financed religious organization.
Since when did G-Rod become a Republican? I don't understand how a guy who grew up on the streets of Chicago can cut funding for orgs like this and completely ignore the derelict condition of the CTA. Shame on G-Rod.
I can't really speak to how many youths they have been able to turn in the right direction, but they were certainly very helpful in the summer of 94 when we were dealing with the first gooning outbreak. They showed up on neighborhood walks, intervened and calmed the kids, helped out with block parties...just to mention a few of the good things they did.
Whenever I ran into a pan handler who told me he/she was fresh out of jail and wanted to get off the streets, I sent them to the Cease Fire office and often called Vernandez to alert him.
Some could have been giving me a line in the hope of a few bucks, but I do believe that some were really seeking alternatives.
One of the weaknesses in our system is we set our criminals free, after they have done their time, with no valid ID, no money in their pocket and no place to go rather than back in the street.
Very few shelters, including Safe Haven, have space for them. They do their time and get released, still they are given few choices upon release other than returning to a life of crime.
I tend to agree with Been There on circle prayers and peace walks, but I did feel Cease Fire was a valuable organization in mediating with at risk youths, teens and adults.
Post a Comment