Council Subcommittee Seeks Student Insights on Teen Violence in Gilbert

The Gilbert Town Council’s new Subcommittee on Teen Violence, formed in response to public concern and the fatal assault of a Queen Creek teenager, is seeking to deeply understand and address the issue of teen violence.

At its first meeting, the subcommittee, led by Vice Mayor Scott Anderson and including Councilmen Chuck Bongiovanni and Jim Torgeson, discussed various strategies. Bongiovanni proposed a professional survey to gauge students' feelings about safety and violence in schools and the community.

The subcommittee aims to collaborate with school districts and parents for the survey's distribution and seeks ideas directly from students. Bongiovanni also suggested additional initiatives, including legislative action against minors owning brass knuckles, mentorship programs, collaborations with businesses for teen activities, and community involvement to foster trust between teens and adults.

The group discussed the importance of parental support and school involvement in preventing violence, with emphasis on the effectiveness of school resource officers and the impact of restorative justice practices in schools. The subcommittee plans to meet bi-weekly to develop actionable proposals for council approval.

Gilbert's Struggle for Recreation Space: Plans for $723M in Park Improvements

Gilbert ranks low on WalletHub's list of the best cities for an active lifestyle, placing 97th among the nation's 100 largest municipalities. The evaluation highlighted Gilbert's lack of tennis courts, playgrounds, and basketball hoops per capita.

Gilbert's Parks and Recreation Director, Robert Carmona, acknowledged the overcrowding and capacity issues in parks and programs, which have not expanded despite the population growth. The town currently allocates only 3% of its land for parks and recreation, far below the national average.

Carmona outlined 19 critical projects totaling $723 million for council consideration, including the development of new parks, multi-use paths, aquatic facilities, and a recreation center in southeast Gilbert. The projects aim to address the shortage in sports fields and amenities and to cope with increasing participation in town programs.

Carmona emphasized the importance of parks and recreation for the community's mental and physical well-being, highlighting their role in reducing healthcare costs, childhood obesity, and crime. He also pointed out the economic benefits of a robust parks system. The council discussed various funding options, including public-private partnerships, focusing on completing existing parks and prioritizing new amenities.

House of Refuge: Offering Hope and Help to Gilbert's Homeless Families

The Maricopa Association of Governments' Homelessness Trends Report reveals an alarming trend: more people are becoming homeless than are finding housing. Last year, for every 10 people who found housing, 19 new individuals experienced homelessness, with over a thousand households facing homelessness for the first time in June alone.

This rise in homelessness, particularly among families with children, has intensified the need for resources and support. House of Refuge in Mesa is a critical resource, providing transitional housing and comprehensive support programs to families in need.

The facility includes 88 two-bedroom homes and centers focused on employment, education, and children’s activities. Residents receive personalized support from case managers and have access to a range of services, including life skills training, employment assistance, childcare, and educational support.

The Community Center offers a safe environment for children, with activities, tutoring, and special programs. The Donation Center is essential for residents, allowing them to obtain necessary items for free.

House of Refuge requires residents to have a minimum income or find employment within 45 days and charges a modest rent. In 2022, they helped over 400 individuals, with a remarkable 90% success rate in moving families towards self-sufficiency. The organization recently received a significant donation from 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun, enhancing their ability to support families on their journey to independence.

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