Introduction to Handbook

Maximizing Existing Community Resources

Minority persons have sought varied ways of collectively coming together, and a most common approach to the process of communal bonding has been religion. Churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious institutions have played a major role in facilitating a sense of unification and support among their patrons. These institutions have actively reached out to their community residents in an effort to provide provisional community programs and services in an attempt to fill the gap left by inadequate or non-existent public social services programs.

These religious institutions are a strength in their community programs. Community educational institutions and businesses are also vital to the process of sustaining the minority community. However, community members must initiate and continue to maintain a working relationship with major public and private institutions in their area. Minority communities must be prepared to vocalize their concerns, needs and possible solutions to existing problems within their neighborhoods. This can be accomplished by soliciting assistance from educational institutions and businesses to better meet the needs of their neighborhoods and communities.

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS CAN ASSIST THEIR COMMUNITIES BY:

Providing financial loans and temporary shelters to those in need
Utilizing their bulletins fro dismeninating information on victim assistance services that are available
Providing 24-hour/7day crisis telephone hotlines
Providing counseling by the clergy or trained church personnel
Establishing safe home shelters
Making meeting space available for service providers
Providing food, clothing and money to those in need
Organizing block watch and other crime prevention programs
Utilizing their leadership skills to influence political officials
Holding "Victim Rights" Sundays

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS CAN ASSIST THEIR COMMUNITIES BY:

Providing after-school and weekend academic and vocational training
Providing facility space for meetings and workshops
Arranging and promoting various adult training workshops, e.g., illiteracy programs, career counseling, support group meetings (AA/Narcotics Anonymous)
Sponsoring workshops
Providing crime prevention and victim assistance information

BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS CAN ASSIST THEIR COMMUNITIES BY:

Providing job training opportunities, e.g., internship programs
Providing neighborhood revitalization projects (e.g., Banks can invest in renovating old and abandoned homes and businesses)
Providing financial support of minority owned businesses
Providing financial support to community programs
Donating food and/or supplies to community functions, i.e., workshops, meetings, block parties, etc.
Providing replacement items such as locks, canes, etc. for senior citizens and impoverished victims of crime
Providing reward money for apprehending suspects

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This document was last updated on June 26, 2008