By Sha’de Ray
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young has partnered with federal and state officials for a new violence reduction program called “I Care Baltimore.”
Young explained this week that the new initiative is a multi-faceted program that empowers community members by providing resources and alternatives to violence, opportunities to get involved in the community and education on the consequences of federal prosecution for violent repeat offenders.
I Care Baltimore is funded by a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, he said. The initiative builds on the U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Exile, which seeks to remove guns from the hands of criminals. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program now also offers resources to assist Baltimoreans in staying safe and healthy.
“I have reviewed the ‘I Care Baltimore’ program and am extremely proud of the work by this partnership to get this to the finish line,” said Young. “ ‘I Care Baltimore’ is my administration’s latest example of our commitment to interagency collaboration and another tool we will utilize to build Baltimore.”
The initiative was announced by U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Director Glenn Fueston of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services; Director Tamika Gauvin of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Marilyn J. Mosby
Eighteen billboards scattered throughout Baltimore highlight positive decision-making and awareness of the consequences of poor decisions. The goal is to lower gun crime.
Radio One is a partner that operates five stations in Baltimore, including WERQ 92Q, to implement the program.
‘I Care Baltimore’ has a live website that includes monthly highlights of different community organizations helping to make Baltimore a safer and healthier place to live. The website also spotlights an organization each month, list by area various community resources, and offers a link to anonymously reported crime tips. Individuals also may use a section to pledge their support for ‘I Care Baltimore,’ either through specific actions or through monetary donations.
“ ‘I Care Baltimore’ not only recognizes the plethora of good work that is already happening right here in our city,” said Gauvin. “But also emphasizes the crucial link between addressing community needs and fighting the violence that grows out of despair and desperation.”
Young acknowledged that Baltimore has faced many challenges but stressed that many good things still happen in the city. He said that the initiative focuses on elevating the best of Baltimore with the mindset that communities need the tools and resources to make a positive change.
“Reducing violent crime in Baltimore, and specifically gun violence, has always been the top priority of my administration,” said Young.