Fuller Park, Chicago – The Strengthening Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI), led by Strengthening Our Community Alliance (SOCA), in partnership with Fuller Park Fieldhouse of the Chicago Park District, and the Fuller Park Advisory Council (FPAC), held a kickoff meeting to begin developing community-driven strategies for violence prevention and neighborhood revitalization.

The meeting opened with introductions from all attendees. Ronald Hughes, Director of Community Partnerships for SOCA in Fuller Park, provided an overview of SOCA’s mission and described the recent state of Illinois Department of Human Resources (IDHS) funding awarded to support violence prevention programming. He emphasized the importance of community voices in shaping the implementation plan, noting that SOCA aims to align its goals with the real needs of Fuller Park residents.

Community Priorities Identified
- Traffic Safety: Ongoing issues with speeding along Princeton and Wentworth.
- Youth Engagement: The need for male role models to connect with young people in the neighborhood.
- Creative Youth Opportunities: Innovative and positive activities to keep youth engaged.

Upcoming Events
The Advisory Council also shared details about upcoming community events:
1. Nightclub at Noon – A senior-focused event scheduled for next week.
2. Fuller Park Reunion – Taking place on the last Sunday of the month.

To support these efforts, SOCA announced plans to host an outreach event during the Fuller Park Reunion and is also considering organizing a community job fair. Additional ideas discussed included hosting a prayer breakfast and implementing midnight basketball programs to offer safe, constructive outlets for youth.

Addressing Barriers
One of the most pressing issues raised during the meeting was transportation access. Many residents struggle to attend events and activities due to limited transportation options, a challenge SOCA and FPAC acknowledged will need creative solutions.

Moving Forward
The kickoff meeting marked an important step in building a stronger partnership between SOCA and Fuller Park residents. By grounding the violence prevention initiative in the voices and priorities of the community, the effort aims to foster safety, opportunity, and lasting change in the neighborhood.

Photo from Left to Right: John McClain, Cynthia Leggett, Ronald Hughes, Elaine Spencer, Lawrence Dixon Jr., Veronica Barney, Spankey Davis.