SafeGrowth Training Program Partnership with LISC

The city of Toledo is proud to work with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) on a neighborhood safety training program this week.

Several Toledo employees, including members of the police department and the Neighborhoods team, are meeting twice this week and twice in August along with community groups for a “SafeGrowth training” program. It introduces participants to crime prevention through environmental design, examining the physical conditions of a neighborhood to increase community safety.

“This is a hands-on training and walks teams through risk assessment, methods of minimizing the physical opportunity for crime, and addressing the social conditions that generate crime opportunities in their neighborhood,” said Kim Cutcher, LISC executive director.

The training spans four days: June 26, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; June 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; August 21, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and August 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Two days of training with team members are followed by working together on substantive field assignments and two additional days of training, Ms. Cutcher said.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz addressed the group during its first session Tuesday.

“Successful cities collaborate and strategize with partners like this,” the mayor said. “I’m grateful this group is made up of so many dedicated Toledoans.”

The training sessions culminate in the opportunity for teams to apply for a grant to implement projects identified and refined during the training.

Teams are comprised of six members and each member is expected to attend all sessions and participate in 8-10 hours of field assignments between the two sessions. The team includes two residents, one community partner, one law enforcement partner, one housing partner, and one AmeriCorps member (when possible).

SafeGrowth projects could include installing landscaping to prevent vehicle access, participating in design plans for a development to increase walkability, removing overgrowth, engaging residents in a creative placemaking project, or installing lighting and removing blight to increase access to a park.

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