WHEREAS, The Crisis Intervention Network was founded by Bennie Swans in May of 1975 and began as a City of Philadelphia Agency working out of the Managing Director’s Office; and
WHEREAS, It was the mission of the Crisis Intervention Network to give back to the community and to curb gang violence in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. Mr. Swans ran the organization by hiring community leaders and organizers, as well as former gang members. The staff of the Crisis Intervention Network was dedicated and worked on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
WHEREAS, The Crisis Intervention Network was recognized as one of the leading gang violence reduction agencies in the United States in the 1980’s. In 1988, the City of Chicago adopted the Crisis Intervention Network’s model and created the “Chicago Intervention Network”; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, November 5, 2016, the Crisis Intervention Network Reunion Committee will be hosting two events, an awards ceremony and a rally focused on stopping community violence and get out the vote efforts; and
WHEREAS, The awards ceremony will honor founder Bennie Swans, as well as members of his original management team, including Dr. Tom Reid, Randall Sims and the late Larry Rawles. A special recognition award will also be given to the families of the late Congressman Lucien Blackwell and the late State Senator Hardy Williams. There will also be a roll call in honor of everyone who worked at Crisis Intervention Network throughout the years; and
WHEREAS, The Crisis Intervention Network was successful in resolving gang conflicts, neighborhood disturbances, and interracial conflicts for over 14 years
;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Proclaims November 5, 2016, as “Crisis Intervention Network Reunion Day” in the City of Philadelphia, to commemorate the dedicated work of the Crisis Invention Network to curb gang violence in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.
End