City, county and area businesses join together to combat violence
BY DIANA NOVAK Staff Reporter/dnovak@suntimes.com October 13, 2012 3:44PM
Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks during an event at Douglas Park in Chicago, Ill., on Saturday, October 13, 2012. During the event Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle both spoke about efforts to reduce violence and restore communities in Chicago. | Andrew A. Nelles~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: November 15, 2012 6:46AM
A new anti-violence collaboration between city and county government and local businesses has been under way in neighborhoods hard hit by violent crime, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Saturday.
The Community Anti-violence and Restoration Effort, or C.A.R.E. program, uses a three-prong strategy of education, community involvement and fast police response to crime to combat violence, the leaders said at a news conference at Douglas Park.
Chicago businesses like Allstate have teamed with government, foundations and police to donate resources, consulting and funds to promote the effort.
Joined by Police Supt. Garry McCarthy and a number of West Side aldermen, Emanuel lauded the work of block clubs and pledged to support them.
As part of the initiative, the city plans to create three “re-engagement” centers that will work to draw drop-outs back to school and create new policy to rehabilitate criminals and keep them out of the prison system.
“The outcome will be very measurable,” said Thomas Wilson, president and CEO of Allstate. “We’ll have fewer dead children.”
