BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Safe Summer Kick-Off Block Party is about connecting families to helpful resources and how to lower crime rates throughout Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.
“We want to amplify peace in our community,” said Nicole Scott, Founder and Executive Director.
The program is part of Mayor Sharon Weston Broome’s Summer of Hope initiative to make sure people are aware of what is happening in their environment and to spread awareness on crime prevention.
“We want this to be a safe summer. If you recognize anything that’s happening in your community that is related to any type of criminal activity, we want people to be proactive in this,” Scott said.
Leaders of Baton Rouge said they stand with the community. One attendee said she’s glad her neighborhood is stepping up. She hopes this initiative will make a difference in the number of killings.
“This is beautiful because we need more of this in the community. So, some of these kids won’t be doing what they are doing. Maybe some of these killings will stop,” said Donna Hughes, a community supporter.
According to the Summer of Hope Initiative, its program played a role in the 21% crime reduction rate in 2022. And with over 60 community partners participating, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
“We have EnrollBR, they help families navigate through identifying the best school choice for their kids. They can help identify schools that help support whatever challenges your child is facing,” Scott said.
LSU student, Julian Williams said he and his fraternity brothers enjoy giving back and being proactive in their community.
“We’re always trying to lend our hand, our time, our patients, and everything to, you know, help out and give back,” Julian Williams, The Bridge Agency, Inc. Volunteer said.