Governor Quinn’s Neighborhood Recovery Initiative was implemented through the IllinoisViolence Prevention Authority (IVPA) in twenty (20) communities

 in the Chicago area and three (3) regions in the South Suburbs. IVPA worked in a collaborative way with public and private agencies and systems at the State and local level to maximize the effectiveness and impact of this Initiative.

The goal of the Initiative is to reduce risk factors and promote protective factors associated with violence through:

1. Creation of jobs for community youth, adults and professionals that promote community wellness and healthy behaviors, youth and parent leadership, and healthy, caring community environments.

2. Provision of a wide range of community-based services for youth and young adults including: social, emotional and job skill development; case management, trauma-informed counseling for students in need of early intervention; mentoring; reentry services; and tutoring and other school supports that enhance young people’s ability to succeed in school, in their community and in life.

The Governor’s Neighborhood Recovery Initiative will work through Lead Agencies that are responsible for managing the Initiative in their community and partnering and subcontracting with other community organizations to implement the various program components. Considerable technical assistance and support will be provided to the Lead Agencies and their community partners to assist the communities in implementation of the various program component models.

One of the areas was Grand Boulevard - southside Chicago and the community partner was Bright Star Church - Pastor Chris Harris. The program dates: Apr 2011 - October 2011