Cure Violence Summer Kick-Off

Delicious food. Dope beats. Discussion with community leaders. All of this and more made up the POIC Cure Violence Summer Kick-Off, hosted in the Rockwood Market Hall, the site of the POIC Kitchen. Special speakers Multnomah County Commissioner Lori Stegmann, District Attorney Mike Schmidt, and Gresham Mayor Stovall shared their initiatives for a safer East Portland.

POIC + RAHS President + CEO Joe McFerrin II announced the launch of the POIC Public Safety Worker, a position built from the current Community Care Team. This new professional career pathway will move forward the violence prevention and intervention efforts of POIC, taking the official step of adopting the Cure Violence Global Model. 

The Public Safety Worker will work as a violence interrupter, taking a culturally appropriate and trauma-informed approach to prevent violence. The staff stepping into these roles will get a 15% pay increase, furthering their professional development with higher-level positions. 

Celebrating these initiatives and engaging together as a community, attendees enjoyed a spread of flavorful food and a fun DJ set.