Creating Safe Schools: Councilwoman Collier Unites Community for Non-Violent School Year

Garfield Middle School SignagePhoto byThe Brown Report Newspaper

Garfield Heights, OH. - Garfield Heights Ward One Councilwoman Stacy Collier is calling for a non-violent school year. With all of the turmoil and violence within the Garfield Heights Public Schools, residents and community leaders are trying to develop and deploy action plans to aid young people and families with violence prevention techniques.

"As a community, community leaders must come together to help our school system and young people deal with these issues. Our kids must be able to grow, learn, and develop in a safe space," says Councilwoman Collier.

Councilwoman Stacey CollierPhoto byThe Brown Report Newspaper

Recently, Collier held a prayer vigil at the Garfield Middle School with local pastors, members of Neighbors on Duty, Moms on a Mission, Top Dawgs, and several elected officials, including Mayor Matt Burke. As Mayor Burke addressed the small crowd, he told them it's everyone's responsibility to ensure safe communities and schools for the kids. One by one, the sentiments rang loudly; prayer after prayer was for the children, teachers, the superintendent, and the school board.

Prayer without works is futile: Community Members Want to Help. Two Groups have Stepped Up - M.O.M. on a Mission and Top Dawg.

"When I was growing up, my mother's generation was big on the saying, "It Takes a Village." Creating a safe space, listening, and simply being available for our scholars is my number 1 priority," said Chloe Dozier, founder of M.O.M. "Lots of people can talk, but we want mothers to help us with our children, our village. "I am looking for people to volunteer at least one hour out of the day to assist in our community. It's important that volunteers will be present, show up, and, most importantly, show them another way by using rich vocabulary, assisting with problem-solving, patrolling our schools inside and outside the building - before and after school - be supportive of our children and our efforts," says Dozier.

Chloe Dozier and Pastor Mario HauserPhoto byThe Brown Report Newspaper

If you are interested in volunteering with Moms on a Mission, you should email Dozier at momsonnamission@gmail.com or call (740) 751-2560

Simultaneously, another group emerged: Top Dawg. Pastor Mario Hauser of the Village Church in Garfield Heights founded Top Dawg. "We hope to bring fathers together to help us help the young people. We are seeking 50 men to volunteer their time during school hours. We want them to help us patrol the schools during their morning commute, lunch hours, and after school and serve as mentors to our young boys. We have ten fathers who have volunteered, and we are looking for fifty before the beginning of school," said Hauser.

If you are interested in volunteering with Top Dawgs, don't hesitate to contact Pastor Mario Hauser at (216) 352-1202 or mario.hauser@mvillagecle.com.

According to the World Population View, the City of Garfield Heights has approximately 28,624. "Our goal is to get people involved with our young people and the schools. Our educators and school leaders can't do it by themselves. The schools do not fund us, nor do we have grants or contracts with them," stated Dozier and Hauser. "We want to help. I have been in conversation with Dr. Reynolds and hope to do something inside the schools, but nothing has been established," added Hauser.

While Councilwoman Collier's call for prayer and action resonated throughout the City of Garfield, which has over 28,000 residents, only a few citizens responded. "It's a start, and we must work with what we have. I am urging people to volunteer and help us improve our schools," said Dozier.

State of Ohio Representative Darnell Brewer of the 18th District was also present. Brewer encouraged the attendees to work together for the betterment of the community. "After all, it's everyone's responsibility," Brewer said.

Ohio State Rep Darnell Brewer (D-18)Photo byThe Brown Report Newspaper

Although the Garfield Heights School Board had a meeting this evening, school board member Nichelle Daniels attended the vigil and spoke to the attendees. The superintendent, Dr. Richard Reynolds, was also present but declined to address the concerned citizens and community leaders.

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