Opening communication between diverse faith and ethnic communities is key to building trust and creating positive relationships, say the members of the Lakewood Community Coalition – a cooperation between faith leaders and law enforcement that seeks to build bridges, promote public safety and strengthen bonds among all members of the Ocean County town.
“There was such a need for this diverse coalition because there are so many issues that need to be addressed,” said Cori Scotti, who co-chairs the coalition with Lakewood Police Capt. Steve Allaire. Scotti, who serves as music minister and business manager of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood, shared that “We felt it was our mission to bring prayer leaders and peacekeepers together.”
The Lakewood Community Collection comprises members of law enforcement and faith institutions, including, from left, Det. Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich, and coalition co-chairs Capt. Steve Allaire and Cori Scotti of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood. EmmaLee Italia photo
Cohesive Goals
At one of the coalition’s community outreach events, “Chill with a Cop,” police officers lined up with coolers of Rita’s Italian Ice July 14 in Lakewood’s Town Square, ready to serve all who showed up for an icy treat on a hot summer day, and to build connections between Lakewood residents of varying backgrounds.
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Community Coalition
A collaboration between Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and other civic and law enforcement organizations, outreach events such as these help to foster communication, which facilitates problem-solving and community well-being.
Fall events included a Nov. 3 Fall Festival at Common Grounds Community Garden and an upcoming Nov. 16 Soup Kitchen and Coat Drive at Town Square.
The coalition, which began as an in-person invitation to local faith leaders – including Divine Word Father Guilherme Andrino, Our Lady of Guadalupe pastor – grew to include quarterly meetings of representatives from the Lakewood Police Department, community organizations and nonprofits. Lakewood residents are invited to submit questions via an email group QR code; topics range from mental health, immigration, food pantries and substance abuse.
“Father Andrino is invested 100 percent,” said Scotti. “He has played an integral role in this coalition from its inception.” Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish has actively supported the coalition through members’ volunteerism.
Forming about a year and a half ago, the coalition was the response to a request from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, said coalition member Det. Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich, which asked that local police departments to “formulate a coordinated effort … to discuss ongoing issues or emerging concerns between law enforcement, faith leaders, community organizations and leaders in a safe, non-judgmental platform.”
The coalition’s interreligious efforts include leaders from Christian denominations and synagogues. When people know that their parish priest or clergy member has a positive connection with law enforcement officials, “they are less apprehensive about being around them,” Scotti said.
Law enforcement officials assist with all outreach efforts, Scotti noted, be it a church or community event or a program on traffic safety. Bottom line, she said, “is that it involves getting to know the community on a personal basis.”
Building Trust, Resources
The coalition’s interreligious efforts include leaders from Christian denominations and synagogues. When people know that their parish priest or clergy member has a positive connection with law enforcement officials, “they are less apprehensive about being around them,” Scotti said.
“Most [faith leaders] welcome law enforcement into their house of worship,” she said, emphasizing that the endorsement of parish priests, rabbis or clergy from other faith traditions is imperative. “They are respected in the community, and being that they respect law enforcement, it makes for a wonderful team.”
Allaire agreed. “You can see [people] open up; they just started talking to us about their issues,” including domestic situations and even unreported crimes. “We’re trying to build relationships now before there’s an issue.”
“There has been a noticeable improvement in trust and communication,” Shimonovich concurred. “Open dialogue and positive interactions at community events have … fostered a sense of mutual respect and understanding.”
Positive Outcomes
In addition to building community trust, the coalition has worked to assist those in need. Concerns include things like homelessness, poverty and domestic violence.
“The Lakewood Community Coalition with the Lakewood Police Community Resource Unit has made significant efforts to assist community members, particularly in areas like homelessness and employment support,” Shimonovich said. “By partnering with local resources, the coalition has been able to provide direct assistance in finding stable housing, temporary shelter, and job opportunities for those in need.
“Everything we do, we try to [make] positive and make everyone feel comfortable,” she continued. Organizations in the coalition “have already built their own resources; now we’re connecting all those resources together.”
For example, connections with local mental health providers, the coalition can offer access to counseling, treatment, support groups and crisis intervention services for those struggling with substance abuse and recovery, Shimonovich explained.
“Collaborating with food pantries and local nonprofits, the coalition ensures families in need can access nutritious food by providing details on pantry locations, hours and eligibility requirements,” she added. “These partnerships enable the coalition to meet diverse community needs in a unified and supportive environment … and ensures transparency, easy access to information, and meaningful engagement for the Lakewood community.”
Lakewood Community Coalition members receive the Bias Crimes Award. Courtesy photo
Houses of worship, too, benefit from shared coalition resources, like traffic safety initiatives and tourniquet kits provided through law enforcement’s “Stop the Bleed” program.
State Recognition
Coalition members were pleased that their work was recognized with the New Jersey Bias Crime Officers Association Distinguished Service Award and an award for Outstanding Partnership in the Community given by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin earlier this year.
Allaire noted that his participation has been “a huge learning experience. … It’s definitely opened my eyes about how influential the religious leaders can be in the community.”
Shimonovich’s experience assisting individuals through the coalition has been fulfilling. “It’s important to me to actually put a smile on someone’s face and give them hope.”
For more information on the Lakewood Community Coalition, visit https://lakewoodpolicenj.com/lakewood-coalition.
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