MissionThe Mission of the Widener Center for Violence Prevention is to decrease violence in Delaware County through public awareness, education, and advocacy by collaborating and networking with professionals and the community.
Current Projects
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HistoryThe Widener Center for Violence Prevention began in Fall 2009 as a continuation of the Delaware County Violence Prevention Collaborative. The collaborative began as a project between Widener University and Crozer Health Systems in an effort to address concerns in community. Violence was identified as a major area of concern, as was maternal/child health, geriatrics, and adolescents. Task forces were formed in each area made up on personnel from Widener and Crozer.
The violence task force quickly changed membership as it identified numerous initiatives and programs already in place throughout the county. Jenny Wyatt of the Center for Social Work Education was appointed Chair of the Task Force and continues to hold that position. The task force was renamed the Violence Prevention Collaborative to more accurately reflect the ongoing commitment of members to the issue of violence in Delaware County. The collaborative is made up of staff from Widener University and Crozer Health Systems as well as representatives from approximately 30 agencies include Police departments, the District Attorney's office, the U.S. Attorney's office, the Office of Behavioral Health, Juvenile and District Courts, Domestic Abuse Project, Children and Youth Services, schools, social service agencies, faith based organizations, and community initiatives. The Center continues to host monthly collaborative meetings, provide web-based information services, and develop projects based on areas of need. |