Action to
transform lives in one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S.
Nobody
really talks about leaving the neighborhood. Many have lived here all their
lives. This, despite another murder, more gunshots, and fear so common, it is
just an accepted part of life. FBI crime data indicates Fort Myers is the 53rd
most dangerous city in the United States, which has nearly 20,000 cities. But
the violence in Fort Myers has an insidious effect on the children growing up
in its midst.
A group
of community supporters gathered for the “State of the Q” address were shocked
at some of the numbers: the median household income in the 33916 zip code is
half the national average, and Fort Myers’ violent crime rate is triple the
national average, and much closer to that of large, notoriously violent cities
like Chicago and Compton.
Even
as shootings and the deaths of young people grab the spotlight, just below the
surface, violence in Fort Myers is taking a toll on the health and development
of the city's youngest residents. Too many children hear gunshots, see fights
and see constant reminders of the violence all around them. Even a memorial of
teddy bears and balloons for a dead neighbor that a child has to pass every day
can be a trigger.
Heightened crime supports the need for the
sustainability or transformative programming in Fort Myers.
Organizational
sustainability, mortgage retirement and increased grant funding were some of
the accomplishments discussed at Quality Life Center’s recent annual board
meeting.
Joshua
DeTillio, CAO of Gulf Coast Medical Center who has been elected Chairman of
Quality Life Center’s Board of Directors indicated that these accomplishments do not mean that it is time to rest. Noting poor educational
achievement and high violent crime rates in the community, he spearheaded the
formation of committees to ensure program quality and sustainability in order
to continue services to children in the community.
In addition to
issues like poverty and drug addiction, exposure to violence is a major factor
damaging children's health. It affects their ability to concentrate, their
memory and their ability to control their behavior. Children growing up in a
violent environment exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, similar to
soldiers returning from the front lines.
We are made to
adapt to stressful situations - the “fight or flight” response. In moments of
danger, energy levels rise, the heart pumps faster and adrenaline kicks in.
This allows people to run faster and defend themselves. When the situation
calms down, the body goes back to normal.
But when things
never really calm down, this system gets overloaded. Kids who live in these
communities stay in a continuous state of alertness, always prepared for
something dangerous to happen.
Some children
respond by shutting down and becoming withdrawn. Others become violent and
aggressive. These angry outbursts can
lead to other troubles, including disciplinary referrals and suspensions at
school, or trouble with the juvenile justice system.
Quality
Life Center’s Executive Director has met with a local architect to explore the
possibility of a teen center steps away from where a 5-year old child was
recently gunned down. We call on the community to come forward with ideas and
resources to make this a reality.
