They are the Champions

By Charles J. Szoke, CLP
Four southwestern Chicago suburban communities believe they have successfully created a model anti-crime and anti-gang alternative coalition for youth. It's called CHAMPS, an acronym for its four champions: Channahon, Minooka, Plainfield, and Shorewood. Through CHAMPS, these communities are taking a regional approach to youth-at-risk issues.

The CHAMPS board includes representation from virtually every source serving the four communities: village government, schools, park districts, the Will and Grundy County state's attorney offices, a circuit judge, Crime Stoppers and citizen groups, as well as with local, county, and state police agencies. A part-time coordinator oversees CHAMPS programs and administrative affairs.

Pooling resources among these participants means that CHAMPS can provide information and services far beyond what any single agency could do on its own. For example:

• The four villages passed identical curfew, graffiti and loitering ordinances so problems are no longer just "pushed back and forth" from one community to another.

• Each school system uses the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) curriculum instructed by law enforcement personnel.

• A series of gang information seminars are scheduled in each community.

• Subcommittees (law enforcement, education, local government) meet regularly to discuss pending youth issues and solutions for which CHAMPS can assist.

• Each community sponsors an Open Gym program, staffed by volunteers.

• The Safe Park and Safe School Zone programs have been introduced in each community.

• Each community sponsors a Youth Council which meets periodically to help in program and activity development.

• In conjunction with the local Boy Scout Council and the Will County Bar Association, a program is being developed to serve as a positive alternative to the court system for youthful offenders.

• A Teen Conference attracted more than 300 students to participate in presentations on self-esteem, decision-making and conflict resolution.

Funding for CHAMPS activities comes from diverse sources. The four municipalities make annual appropriations, and member agencies make in-kind and reduced cost services available. CHAMPS also has been successful in obtaining corporate donations and grants.

Special events provide important funding and raise community awareness for CHAMPS and its programs. Each fall, a D.A.R.E. Walk Against Crime is scheduled, with more than 500 kids collecting pledges in excess of $20, 000. An annual golf outing raises another $5, 000.

Just reaching its fifth anniversary, the member communities and agencies believe CHAMPS has played a major role in reducing gang issues and youth crime by providing practical information and alternative programming. This sharing of resources and abilities has created a positive approach to youth-at-risk issues that continues to improve the quality of life in the area.

CHARLES J. SZOKE, CLP
is the executive director for the Channahan Park District