How Aim4Peace works
Aim4Peace is an evidence-based health approach to reduce shootings and homicides. Aim4Peace uses highly trained violence interrupters and outreach staff, public education campaigns, Neighborhood Action Teams and community mobilization to reverse the violence epidemic in Kansas City, Mo. Aim4Peace focuses on the neighborhood factors that most often contribute to violent crime, helping those who are considered at highest risk of committing offenses due to their living or employment situation.
In 2011, the National Association of County and City Health Officials recognized Aim4Peace as a
Promising Practice.
About Aim4Peace
The Aim4Peace program began in 2008 and was originally based on the Ceasefire: Stop the Shooting project in Chicago. Though Aim4Peace currently focuses on the Police Department's East Patrol Division, with continued success the plan will be implemented throughout the City in the future. Aim4Peace is committed to making neighborhoods safer. Read our
brochure.
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Services
Aim4Peace sponsors all the programs below.
The Aim4Peace
Life Skills Learning Program works to prevent school delinquency and drop-outs, supporting community actions to keep students in school. Aim4Peace offers both community and school-based courses:
- Life Skills courses (grades 5-12 and ages 19-40)
- Delinquency prevention
- Personal development
- Education about the dangers of involvement in gangs and/or street organizations
The
Job Readiness and
Anger Management programs are four-week courses held every month. Job Readiness helps participants prepare for obstacles that can happen when they enter the workforce, providing tips for keeping and maintaining steady employment. The Anger Management course focuses on problem solving, communication skills, personal qualities, money management and budgeting, and work ethics. These courses are open to the community.
Through the
Job Fair Initiative, Aim4Peace has helped more than 400 residents seeking employment by connecting them with local employers and specialized skill or trade educational institutions. At the events, Aim4Peace also provided information on housing assistance and resume building, conducted mock interviews and linked attendees with local social service agencies.
Through the
Hospital Prevention Program, workers respond to gunshot and violence-related trauma situations, intervene in conflicts and aim to prevent further violence. Working with emergency department staff, Aim4Peace reaches out to community members who are most at risk of being involved in future shootings.
Other Aim4Peace
participant services include:
Customized one-on-one case management using risk reduction plans to offer long-term solutions to help clients step out of the high-risk lifestyles
- Workforce counseling
- Youth, adult and parent mentoring
- Advocacy and support
- Human and social support services
- Transportation to classes, job interviews and employment
- Access to employment resources and educational institutions
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Aim4Peace has partnered with the Conflict Mediation Center to offer classes on restorative justice and conflict mediation, using funding provided by the JAMS Foundation. The classes will be offered at the Vineyard Neighborhood Association, 4301 E. 43rd St. on April 9, April 16, April 23, May 7 and May 14 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. The classes are free and open to those who register, but only those who have attended all 10 sessions dating back to Nov. 13 will be certified.
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Donations
Though Aim4Peace is funded through grants and the City budget, sponsorship and donations are appreciated. To ensure that all charitable donations are accurately tracked, please mail all donations to:
Mid-America Regional Council
ATTN: Aim4Peace Fund
600 Broadway Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64105-1659
The Mid-America Regional Council is a public not-for-profit organization formed to support cities and counties in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The IRS has determined that contributions to MARC are considered charitable for tax purposes.
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