The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49420

Jesus G. Garcia, BA¹, Susan Avila, RN, MPH², and Juan Saenz, BS¹. (1) Executive Director, Little Village Community Development Corporation, 2756 South Harding, Chicago, IL 60623, 773.542.9233, lvcdc1@ameritech.net, (2) Department of Trauma, Cook County Hospital, 1835 W. Harrison, Chicago, IL 60612

Background Research has shown that a multi-disciplined approach to youth violence prevention is most effective. Efforts that build upon collective efficacy, addresses social structures that foster disadvantage and disrupts relations between individuals and institutions create a sense of empowerment.

Development A youth violence prevention model was implemented in a large urban Midwest Mexican American working class community. This community had a history of gang intervention programs which had not been sustained due to insufficient resources, competing missions and/or changes in institutional priorities.

Implementation The original mission of the Little Village Community Development Corporation was to build the economic growth in the community. This mission expanded from their traditional emphasis on housing and business development to addressing youth violence. The leadership of this organization is indigenous to the community. The membership base is derived from a strong collective of block clubs. Organizational members concluded that improving quality of life was the number one priority of their community. Decreasing and eliminating youth violence was their key objective in meeting this priority.

Evaluation The violence prevention collaborative of the Corporation has grown to include public health representatives from a variety of facilities. This collaborative has been sustained over a two year period with minimal external funding. Its vision and action plan has been conceptualized. The impact of collective action will be evaluated through a series of focus groups and examination of organizational documents.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to

• describe elements of community-led violence prevention initiatives;
• identify successful models for enhancing community and public health collaboration to prevent youth violence.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Violence Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Cook County Hospital Department of Trauma; Little Village Community Development Corporation, Chicago IL
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment