With violent crime on the rise, an initiative to help address the issue in Jackson-Madison County was held at the Chambers-McClure Academic Center at Lane College, Saturday.

The initiative presented an opportunity for the community not to simply come together, but to do something about the crime problem, while offering healing and hope for the community.

Law enforcement officers, ministers, government officials and civic leaders, gathered to support the I-CARE summit – Community, Advocacy, Resilience Empowerment.

The summit was tailored to address the needs of parents and children.

Topics covered included gang talk, peace in the home, how to have a great school year and mental health awareness.

(PHOTO: Seminar at I-CARE summit – courtesy Frank McMeen)