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Label
RIA: Fagan -Community
Councilmembers Gadus, Hobbs, Jones, McPherson, & Morris
Title
Recognizing Devonne Fagan a Community Leader for Violence Preventions, Healing & Youth Empowerment
Summary
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
WHEREAS, the honoree is a survivor of gun violence who has transformed personal loss and lived experience into a lifelong commitment to healing, service, and community restoration; and
WHEREAS, with a long-term goal of giving back, he leads the Hoodstock Foundation, which for over a decade has supported youth and families across Toledo's inner city through annual back-to-school initiatives, providing between 500 and 1,000 backpacks and school supplies to ensure children are prepared for the academic year; and
WHEREAS, he has organized large-scale, youth-centered community events that promote safety, opportunity, and positive engagement for children and families throughout Toledo; and
WHEREAS, in partnership with David Ross and the Toledo Arts Commission, he helped develop and implement the first youth survey focused on the impacts of gun violence, collecting responses from approximately 200 to 300 young men between 2020 and 2022; and
WHEREAS, while conducting this research, he simultaneously worked on the ground mediating conflicts among high-risk individuals and groups, seeking to prevent violence before it occurs; and
WHEREAS, he co-developed Circles and Verses, a restorative justice program focused on building social and emotional skills for individuals affected by or responsible for harm, emphasizing accountability, healing, and growth; and
WHEREAS, through partnerships with David Ross and the Junction Coalition, he has advanced social and emotional learning opportunities for young people impacted by violence; and
WHEREAS, he has served as a volunteer coordinator for the Toledo Arts Commission and participated in LISC AmeriCorps, further demonstrating his dedication to community engagement and service; and
WHEREAS, he has been ...
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