Residents, police officers, church and community leaders and the children who live in the south end of East St. Louis are counting on a huge turnout for a community event called Resources & Strategies for a Stronger & Safer South End. It will be held Thursday from 5:00 p.
m.-8:00 p.m.
at Mt. Paran Missionary Baptist Church at 1601 Russell Ave. Organizers say it is a “solution-based event aimed at collectively promoting a stronger and safer south end,” and it takes the entire community working together.
“We have found there are numerous different entities and resources within the East St. Louis community that are geared toward helping citizens of all ages in the community with whatever they need help with,” said Illinois State Police Lt. Elbert Jennings.
The people who can provide the resources will be on hand at Mt. Paran Church, which was chosen because of its central location in the community, Jennings said. “When they come to the church they will see the resources there,” Jennings said.
“Whether the families have education or healthcare needs, or need help filling out an application or assistance with getting an ID card, someone will be there to provide the necessary help.” Police will be among the participants, but they will be working in a different capacity to show the people the officers are just like them and want to work with citizens to keep their neighborhoods as safe as possible, Jennings said. “The police will not be conducting any law enforcemen.