November 2016
A Word from our Executive Director

Dear Peacemakers,

Eliesel, Nonviolence Streetworker School Team member, always shares what he is grateful for. He'll pop into everyone's office to say hello and give words of encouragement. I'm issuing a challenge to you all today. Go to our Facebook or Twitter pages (ISPNprovidence) and tell us what you are thankful for, then go to someone else's page and tell them why you are thankful for them. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, and in the tradition of Eliesel, I would like to tell you all what I am grateful for.

My family - Their support over the past year has been unwavering.  They are always asking what they can do to help. My wife Meg is so understanding that sometimes plans need to change and that I need rest too.  THANK YOU!
My ISPN Family - The staff at ISPN is under appreciated, to be frank.  They don't think twice about helping the community. They feel the pain, see the suffering that people endure, get denied resources and yet come to work every day with a smile and work hard to save lives.  Their successes are rarely publicized, but should be.  THANK YOU Staff! 



DONATE 
In This Issue
Yoga for Peace: Special Gratitude Class

When: Thursday, November 17th
Time: 6:00 to 7:15pm
Place: The Chapel at ISPN
265 Oxford Street, Providence, RI 02905 (get directions)
Cost: $15
 
Join us for a special candlelight vinyasa yoga class. This 75 minute practice will focus on gratitude through guided meditation and poses. Mats and water are provided. All levels are welcomed and encouraged!

Reserve your mat now. 
We're Hiring!
Join our team

ISPN is hiring a Victim Advocate and a Wellness Coordinator. Think that could be you? Read the full job descriptions  here. 

ISPN Responds
 
In October, the Victim Services team and the Nonviolence Streetworker Outreach Team supported the family Terry Robinson, who was shot and killed in 2014, through a lengthy, complex trial. Victim Services has been working with his family since 2014 to connect them with the appropriate support services. This relationship building immediately following a homicide puts Victim Services staff in a unique position to provide support during taxing processes--such as a trial--which often does not come to fruition until long after the initial crime has occurred. 
 
Victim Services and worked in collaboration with the Nonviolence Streetworker Team to manage conflicts and potential retaliations. To date, no incidents of violence have taken place between the opposing crews.
 
Our Nonviolence Streetworker Outreach Team responded to 11 incidents of violence in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls in October. Two of the victims are connected to a well-known gang rivalry in Providence. The Nonviolence Streetworkers have been engaging both sides in conversation to mediate conflict and retaliation.
Up and Coming for #TeamChoosePeace

  • Sal Monteiro, Director of Training, is presenting at the 6th Annual National Conference on Higher Education in Prison in Nashville, TN on November 4th-6th. Sal will be presenting on "Teaching Nonviolence." 
     
  • Juan Carter, Director of the Nonviolence Streetworker Team, will be presenting at the Streetworker Conference on November 16th at Patriots Stadium.
     
  • The new "Let's Make This Work" Employment program has begun! We're excited to have ten youth enrolled in our new ten-month model. Partnering with the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership, this new model features a robust training and skill building curriculum. mentor and mentee activities, and internship placement.  We look forward to keeping  you updated on our young people's progress!
     
  • Mark your calendars for December 13th for the ISPN Annual Holiday Party! Details will be sent soon. Plus, join us at the official after party at the Hot Club for their Choose Peace Week. 10% of bar sales will be donated to ISPN in memory of the Newtown shooting. 
Shout Out: PPD Awards Lynne-Marie Shea!

On October 26th, Lynne-Marie Shea, Director of Victim Services, received the Citizen's Award at the 2016 Providence Police Department Commendation Awards Ceremony. 

 

Lynne-Marie was given the award for her outstanding work with victims and their families, and for bridging the gap between police and victims. 

 

Photo: Colonel Steven O'Donell and Mayor of Providence, Jorge Elorza present Lynne-Marie Shea with the "Citizen's Award." Photo credit: Arthur Johnson.