The Park Forest Police Department will host two special events this month in recognition of Youth Violence Prevention Week and Autism Awareness Month.
This Saturday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Park Forest’s Village Hall, Park Forest Police, in collaboration with The Urban Youth Trauma Center and School District 163, will host outdoor activities and will giveaway numerous free items to the first 500 children as part of Youth Violence Prevention Week. The first 500 people will also receive FREE food from Johny’s II restaurant in Park Forest.
“To help accomplish the goal of Youth Violence Prevention Week, through partnerships with the Urban Youth Trauma Center and School District 163, and in light of the challenges the pandemic has created for our young people, we’re excited to give away a wide variety of wholesome activities and provide free meals to young people in Park Forest,” said Park Forest Police Chief Christopher Mannino. “Rather than simply encourage our youth to not engage in negative behavior, we’re providing alternatives.”
On Saturday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Freedom Hall, the Park Forest Police Department will present Autism Summit, an event aimed at prioritizing safety planning and communication between law enforcement and families of individuals on the spectrum. Those interested in attending the free event are encouraged to register early at redcap.link/PFPDAutismSummit.
“While we are proud of the work we have done to ensure we can appropriately serve persons with autism, we recognize that creating a dialogue between families of autism, service providers, and law enforcement through this summit can allow us to improve upon the steps we have already taken,” Mannino said.
COVID safety protocols will be in place at both April events.
