For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Eighteen organizations and individuals were recently honored with Martin Luther King (MLK) Peacemaker Awards at a ceremony sponsored by Montgomery County’s Street Outreach Network (SON), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services' Positive Youth Development (PYD) program. The awards organizations and individuals were honored for their peacemaking work to make Montgomery County a better place to live.
Those honored at the ceremonies on Jan. 13 were chosen by staff from the SON for their efforts to help prevent violence and bring peace to their neighborhoods. Among the honorees were community leaders, including those from business and education, as well as County Government and elected officials.
Those honored at the ceremonies:
“In a time where society is seeing so much violence around the nation, it requires all of us to lift up the importance of peace and continue fighting for peace in the spirit of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Luis Cardona, PYD administrator. “We are proud to acknowledge and recognize community leaders that have stepped up to bring peace to their neighborhoods in hopes of stopping unnecessary violence. Peacemaking like this lives up to the true teachings of Dr. King.”
SON works with County youth impacted by violence, with the goal of redirecting that trauma. This includes therapeutic recreation supports in schools and in the community.
In 2022, SON worked with more than 200 adolescents and young adults. During the summer, SON coordinated free Summer of Peace events with food, music, dancing and engaging games for residents with a chance to connect with County staff in a more culturally diverse and relaxed way. More than 1,000 residents attended the events.
To follow future activities of the Street Outreach Network, visit their Facebook page.
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Release ID: 23-047