The first meeting of the Sto-Rox Community Coalition will take place on Wednesday, October 23 at 6pm at the Focus On Renewal’s Father Ryan Arts Center.

The Coalition is open to ANYONE who has an interest in our Sto-Rox Community!  CeaseFire and BeSMART will attend this meeting, and UPMC Children’s Hospital will be giving a FREE gun storage safe to the first 100 attendees.  In addition, Focus On Renewal’s Sto-Rox Public Library will be offering Halloween activities for youth while parents attend the Coalition Meeting, including a Halloween Costume contest to be judged by coalition attendees!

For the past three years, BAM, CURE Violence, and Sto-Rox ACTES were implemented to address community violence.  In addition, Sto-Rox School District, Focus On Renewal, and local law enforcement have been working behind the scenes to coordinate efforts.  It is now time for community members to take a more active role to work together and work with programs in place to find solutions.  The goal of our Community Coalition is to further reduce community violence and make our community safer.  Regular meetings will take place, and coalition members will not only work collaboratively to find solutions, but also to plan community events.

To join our Coalition, please use the QR code to the left, or click here.

Addressing community violence requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to create a safer and more supportive environment.

Read on to learn more about how community violence affects every aspect of our lives, and why everyone should work together to find solutions.

Residents:

• Physical and Mental Health: Residents may suffer from injuries, chronic stress, and mental health issues like PTSD and anxiety.

• Quality of Life: Fear of violence can limit outdoor activities, social interactions, and overall community engagement

Business Owners:

• Economic Impact: Violence can deter customers, leading to reduced sales and potential business closures.

• Safety Concerns: Business owners may need to invest in additional security measures, increasing operational costs.

Parents:

• Parental Stress: Parents may experience heightened anxiety about their children’s safety.

• Family Dynamics: Exposure to violence can strain family relationships and affect parenting practices.

Students:

• Academic Performance: Exposure to violence can impair concentration, leading to poor academic outcomes.  
• Mental Health: Students may experience trauma, anxiety, and depression, affecting their overall well-being.

Landlords & Property Owners:

• Property Values: Community violence can decrease property values and make it difficult to attract tenants.

• Maintenance Costs: Increased vandalism and property damage can lead to higher maintenance costs.

Law Enforcement Officials:

• Resource Allocation: High levels of violence require more resources and personnel, straining law enforcement agencies.

• Community Relations: Persistent violence can erode trust between law enforcement and the community.

Teachers & School Officials:

• Educational Disruption: Violence can lead to absenteeism, lower academic performance, and increased dropout rates.

• Safety Measures: Schools may need to implement stricter security protocols, affecting the learning environment.

Service Providers:

• Increased Demand: Health and social services may see a rise in demand for support related to violence and trauma.

• Resource Strain: Providers may struggle with limited resources to meet the community’s needs.

Local Politicians:

• Policy Challenges: Politicians may face pressure to implement effective violence prevention and intervention strategies.   
• Public Perception: Ongoing violence can impact their reputation and electoral prospects.

The Community:

• Community Cohesion: Violence can weaken social bonds and reduce community cohesion.

• Developmental Impact: Persistent violence can hinder community development and progress.