ST. LOUIS — Community advocates at the Office of Violence Prevention are stepping up monthly to do their part in helping those affected by violent crimes.
Wilford Pinkey serves as the director of the Office of Violence Prevention. He says that more schools and businesses need to be involved in decreasing violence in the city.
“We could probably bring some state resources here and really it’s about going into these communities and finding out what people need and making sure those people show up," Pinkey said.
The message the Office of Violence Prevention in St. Louis spreads monthly at "Kickback" events is that "there’s hope for the city."
“There’s hope, there’s people working to really walk with people and to comfort them, to give them what they need and to build them up. I think that’s the main message," Pinkey said.
Kickbacks include free food, music, and activities along with gun safety resources.
“Our communities aren’t so inundated with violence that we can’t be out here today," Pinkey said. "It's not a war zone, there are positive things happening, there are positive things in the community, people are doing their best to decrease violence."
Pinkey and his team at OVP say it’s all about meeting people where they are. OVP targets youth with its events, resources for gun safety, housing and even veterans. It’s all a one-stop shop. He says nearly 100 people attend the events each month, with half being youth.
“We need to keep working harder," Pinkey said. "We need to make sure the people in those communities, the victims of incidents whether they’re directly or indirectly affected, know there’s a place to go where you can get some help."
The next "OVP Kickback" will be held at O'Fallon Park on November 18 from 2 to 6 p.m. People in attendance will also receive a free Thanksgiving turkey.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.