Beginning in the month of January we surveyed the community to gain an understanding of the major concerns and issues of Ward 5 residents; and from the data we’ve summed them up to the youth, safety as well as resident and local leadership relations.  You can voice your concern by contacting gigi@gigitraore.com. 

Community Education 

      In order to improve our economic status within the city of Cleveland; we must ensure that our educational standing is as competitive as any other locale.  We can do this by creating and implementing training and apprenticeship programs geared towards the green economy and expanding those which are functioning appropriately in our community.  We are privileged to be surrounded by Cleveland State University and Cleveland Community College as well as being a short distance from Case Western Reserve University.  Therefore bridge building between the collegiate and residential members is important for eliminating brain drain from our community.  As a functioning community we must prepare our youth and adult residents for leadership and civic service to ensure continuous improvement and not divert from educational and economic stability.  If we are to build and improve upon our community’s education resident empowerment and participation is significant. 

Community Involvement 

      Youth are a reflection of a community’s future therefore the expansion and adequate promotion of youth programs is pertinent for the success and sustainability of Ward 5.  The wisdom and knowledge of our seniors/elders must be utilized to ensure our community’s history and purpose remains intact.  Furthermore, our seniors must be engaged and feel a sense of security within their neighborhoods as well as have outlets and social networks and meeting places for their enjoyment. Overall, we must engage residents in Ward Club meetings and activities as well as promote a Youth Council; Block and Street Clubs while providing them the help and support needed to be successful.  Additionally, the service concept must be implanted by and for the community members.  This will be achieved through the Ward 5 Steppin’ Up Committee a community service oriented entity which will develop activities and programs allowing residents to become active.  These initiatives will help to empower the residents and solidify their commitment and ownership of their respective neighborhoods and community holistically.  

Community Safety 

      Within the last couple of years criminal activity has slowly become the culture of our community and we must move to immediate and solution oriented action to combat this problem.  I have personally experienced an armed robbery; luckily it did not escalate because of the CMHA police being onsite and scaring off the assailants.  One of the most accessible avenues to ensuring community safety becomes a reality is to develop a “working and communicative” relationship with our police and safety entities. The “Law Enforcement: Part of the Community Day” will allow residents and law enforcement to meet and greet each other to begin restricting the stereotypes which exist between the groups.   

      Juvenile justice is one of the most important pillars in community safety I strongly believe that youth deserve a second chance and receive necessary support and service for rehabilitation.  A notable program is “The Get on Track” initiative established by Judge Emanuella Groves; this program allows youth a second chance to become productive citizens rather than better criminals. We are in a serious time and Ward 5 leadership must be bold and prepared to combat the perils facing our community; this is why it’s important that all community sources work together to implement programs that move us towards regaining control over our community.