New Violence Intervention Initiative Launches in Saginaw

In observance of the International Day of Peace on Saturday a coalition of groups in Saginaw unveiled a new program aimed at curbing violence in the community. The new “SLive” program is based on a Detroit program known as “DLive.” The “S” stands for Saginaw, while the letters in the word “Live” stand for “Life is Valuable Every Day.”

The program is a hospital-based, community-focused violence intervention initiative, that will focus on victims of violence hospitalized at Ascension St. Mary’s in Saginaw. The victim will first meet with a chaplain, and then be assigned a case worker who will help them with the many issues that might have put them in the violent situation.

Organizers visited Detroit several times to learn about the program, before deciding to bring it to Saginaw. It involves St. Mary’s, Saginaw Police, local clergy and other groups.

The program launched at St. Mary’s with a slate of speakers, music, food trucks and other activities, and the dedication of a “Peace Pole” in front of the main hospital building. Organizers of SLive include the founder and CEO of Parishioners on Patrol in Saginaw, Bishop Larry Camel,  pastor a New Birth Missionary Baptist Church; and Pastor Sue Hand of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Friday’s event announcing the program included the dedication of a “Peace Pole” in front of the main building at Ascension St. Mary’s.