CeaseFire, the nationally-respected anti-violence initiative, will once again set up shop in Maywood.  The highly touted program, which works to mediate conflicts and stop violence, has been credited with reducing shootings in Chicago and surrounding communities.

Preparations for Maywood CeaseFire are underway, according to Program Manager Jan Mitchell Bolling.  Maywood CeaseFire will include an outreach supervisor, outreach workers, community canvassers and violence interrupters.  Site selection and other preparations are being worked on. 

“We welcome the return of CeaseFire to Maywood,” exclaimed Mayor Henderson Yarbrough Sr.  “During its time in our community, murders were cut in half and shootings were dramatically reduced.  With our successful M.A.P.S. program, our staffing increases, and our emphasis on greater police visibility and communication with the public,  CeaseFire gives us one more support mechanism for our police department to utilize to increase public safety in Maywood,” Yarbrough remarked. 

Chief Elvia Williams added that “CeaseFire’s outreach helps reduce our crime rate.”  She pointed out that Ceasefire’s work with individuals who are vulnerable to criminal activity has been an asset to the department and to the community.  “CeaseFire works to train this population to make positive decisions as well as connecting them to training programs, she said.  

State Representative Karen Yarbrough, who has been a major force behind CeaseFire since its inception in the community in 2003, was pleased that the state budget for this program was restored.  “Naturally I am elated that CeaseFire will once more be able to work in communities all over Illinois to reduce violence,” Representative Yarbrough stated.  “At the same time, the politics that stopped the funding for the last couple of years has greatly impacted many communities.  I hope we never have to go through that again,” she declared. 

CeaseFire, formed in 1995 by the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention, is housted at the University of Illinois(Chicago).  Its director is Gary Slutkin.  It builds partnerships between clergy, concerned citizens and law enforcement in neighborhoods plagued by gang violence.  The program works directly with gang members and high-risk residents to mediate conflicts and stop violence before it happens.  Organized community responses to shootings are also held to publicly protest neighborhood violence.