State Senator Mattie Hunter collaborated with Adler Professional School of Psychology and local organizations in a panel discussion focusing on the impacts of social factors on urban communities.  The “Summit on Proven Approaches for Action Improving Community Well-Being” included different Englewood and Chicago organizations in the panel discussion including Safer Foundation, Teamwork Englewood, Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), and the Chicago Area Project. 

Due to a crumbling infrastructure and one of the highest crime rates in the nation, it is now more important than ever to bring the Englewood community together in its endeavor to seek change.  Statistics show that Englewood has many social and infrastructure issues that set them apart from other Chicago neighborhoods, such as a 25 percent vacancy rate compared to overall Chicago’s seven percent.  Also, 56 of the 419 Chicago homicides in 2011 happened in Englewood.  The discussion focused on efforts to form a solutions-based action plan to strengthen economic development, better education opportunities and lower crime rates in Englewood. 

Adler Professional School of Psychology has found many negative factors that impact individuals in low-income, high-crime communities can have a profound effect at every stage of life.  An effort of Adler Professional School of Psychology, the summit is an attempt to collaborate with government officials, community organizations and citizens to overturn negative social factors that debilitate the Englewood community.  Senator Hunter participated by discussing her legislative efforts in Springfield that have centered on providing educational opportunities, job creation and community rehabilitation. 

To learn more about the event or for information on upcoming planning and discussion, please visit click here.