On National Night Out, held this past Tuesday, COWOC’s Violence Interrupters actively participated in multiple events across Maryland, fostering safety, unity, and community spirit. The Violence Interrupters engaged with residents at various locations, sharing their mission to reduce violence and support peace initiatives within neighborhoods. By attending these events, the team strengthened connections with community members, promoted the importance of collaboration in violence prevention, and reinforced COWOC’s commitment to creating safer, more resilient communities. The evening was a significant step in building trust and solidarity, as the Violence Interrupters worked hand-in-hand with local leaders and law enforcement to make a lasting impact on public safety.

The Catholic University of America hosted its annual Anti-Violence Youth Summit, bringing together students, community leaders, and organizations committed to addressing and reducing youth violence. The summit included various workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at educating and empowering young people to make positive choices and engage in community efforts to combat violence. The event emphasized the role of education, community involvement, and proactive measures in preventing youth violence.

Tiffani Evans, a prominent speaker at the summit, delivered a compelling speech on the profound effects of violence on youth and their communities. Her address highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to provide support and resources for young people affected by violence. Evans shared personal stories and practical strategies for overcoming the challenges posed by violence, inspiring attendees to take action and become advocates for change in their communities.

The summit also saw the participation of several community-based organizations and violence interrupters, including Hope In Action (HIA) and COWOC. Our organization played a crucial role in providing support and resources for the attendees, emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives in violence prevention. The event underscored the collective effort required to create safer environments for youth and reinforced the commitment of all involved to continue working towards a violence-free future.

On July 4, 2024, six-year-old Ahsan Julian Peyton was tragically injured in a gun violence incident while participating in a community event in Temple Hills. At approximately 8 PM, gunfire erupted, resulting in Ahsan being shot and subsequently taken to Children’s Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, Tiffani Evans, one of our Hope In Action Violence Interrupters, was contacted by the hospital to connect with Ahsan’s family. Understanding the significance of providing support during such a devastating time, Tiffani visited the victim’s family at their home, located in an HIA target area.

During her visit, Tiffani offered comfort to Ahsan’s young and grief-stricken mother, listening compassionately to their needs and emotions as they navigated this profound tragedy. In response to this incident, Hope in Action has partnered with The Farewell Agency, a funeral concierge service dedicated to providing supportive resources to victims’ families during their most challenging times. This partnership aims to ensure that the Peyton family receives the necessary assistance and support as they cope with their immense loss.

At COWOC, we stand united in mourning the senseless loss of young lives to gun violence. We remain committed to creating safer environments for our community members and supporting those affected by such tragedies. Our hearts go out to Ahsan’s family, and we pledge to continue advocating for peace and healing in the wake of this senseless violence, ensuring that their needs are met and their voices are heard.

COWOC was honored to sponsor the Cultural Arts Festival hosted by Creative Suitland, a vibrant event celebrating the rich diversity and artistic talent within our community. As a sponsor, we were thrilled to support an initiative that aligns with our mission to foster community engagement and empowerment. The festival provided a dynamic platform for local artists, performers, and cultural enthusiasts to showcase their work and connect with the community.

At our table, we engaged with numerous festival-goers, sharing detailed information about our organization and the various programs we offer. Our team distributed brochures and flyers that highlighted our initiatives focused on education, economic advancement, and community support. Through these interactions, we were able to raise awareness about our mission and the positive impact we strive to make in the community. Our presence at the festival allowed us to connect with individuals who were eager to learn more about how they could get involved and benefit from our resources.

In addition to sharing information, we also encouraged attendees to sign up for our newsletter, which provides regular updates on our activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in our programs. The enthusiastic response from festival-goers was heartening, as many expressed interest in staying connected with COWOC and supporting our mission. By sponsoring and participating in the Cultural Arts Festival, we not only strengthened our community ties but also expanded our network of supporters and advocates committed to making a difference.

The King Douglas Way naming ceremony in Prince George’s County honored the memory of King Douglas, a 13-year-old boy tragically shot in 2021. Organized by his mother, Ja’Ka McKnight, the event gathered the community to remember King and raise awareness about gun violence. The ceremony featured speeches from family members, local leaders, and activists, and included the presence of violence interrupters who work to prevent similar tragedies.

Hope In Action and COWOC played significant roles in the event, providing community support resources and emphasizing mental health awareness and assistance for families affected by violence. These organizations offered information and services to help those in need, underscoring the importance of continuous community support.

Ja’Ka McKnight, through her foundation Under King We Stand, highlighted ongoing efforts to support and mentor youth in the community. The foundation aims to create a positive impact through programs that foster resilience and hope. The ceremony served as a call to action for the community to work towards a safer and more supportive environment, celebrating King’s life and promoting unity against gun violence.

Our mission at COWOC is to combat food insecurity within Prince George’s County by collaborating with nonprofit organizations, local grocers, restaurants, caterers, and bakers. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to bridge the meal gap by procuring and distributing perishable and non-perishable food, as well as prepared meals, to residents in low-to-moderate-income areas (LMA) impacted by or recovering from the pandemic and combating inflation, as defined by HUD Qualified Census Tracts (QCT).

Since 2015, COWOC has been an active participant in the Washington, D.C. metro region, with a steadfast commitment to providing food assistance support alongside local community partners since 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our organization and partners intensified relief efforts, delivering 500 meal kits and 1,000 hot meals weekly to families. Over the past year, we have supported more than 15,000 residents with food and essential relief items, including hygiene kits, baby kits, face masks, and toilet paper.

Recognizing the challenges posed by low-skill, low-paying job opportunities in our community, COWOC has pioneered the Urban Food Stand program since 2019, targeting youth ages 16-25. This initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of unemployment but also contributes to workforce development opportunities in the County. Having served 100 students to date, COWOC remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change and resilience in the face of economic and nutritional disparities in Prince George’s County with our latest Farm to Table Food Assistance Program.