City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement highlights National Gun Violence Awareness Month
June 4, 2025
June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) is partnering with several community organizations to host fun activities and informative workshops all month. The purpose of the events is to show support for survivors and raise awareness about gun violence. Gun Violence Awareness Month was established to draw attention to the reality of gun violence and shed light on its damaging effects within our communities. Workshops will cover topics such as: Firearm safety and storage, conflict resolution, Internet safety, positive youth development, anti-bullying, in addition to other relevant topics. The ONSE is also launching a new six-week interactive series under the Choose Peace, Create Change initiative called Power Up: Peace Mode.
Power Up: Peace Mode will be more than just a workshop series—it will be a movement to empower young minds, cultivate emotional intelligence, and inspire civic responsibility. Each week, participants will explore key Social Emotional Learning (SEL) themes including self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision-making, and conflict resolution. These skills are brought to life through hands-on service projects that address real community needs and promote peace-building values. The goal for all the activities and workshops is to engage youth and address gun violence in Columbia. All events are free to the public, but registration varies per event.
Community Conversation (Second Quarter Sessions)
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (first session) | Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (second session) | Hampton Park Community Center, 1117 Brandon Avenue, Columbia, SC 29209
To continue its ongoing engagement efforts, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement will host its “Community Conversation” sessions for the second quarter to update the public on its progress and to share details about upcoming initiatives. There will be two sessions and registration is required to attend a session.
Those interested can register by clicking this link: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/251484032866965
Coolin’ with Cola – Community Event at Lorick Park
Friday, June 20, 2025
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Lorick Park, 1600 Lorick Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203
The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, in partnership with the Columbia Police Department’s Community Services Bureau and the Columbia Fire Department, presents Coolin’ with Cola — a free, family-friendly event focused on celebrating community, promoting safety, and strengthening neighborhood connections.
Taking place at Lorick Park on Friday, June 20 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the event will feature the Columbia Police Department’s ice cream truck, serving up free treats for families, and a live fire truck demonstration from the Columbia Fire Department, providing an interactive and educational look at fire safety in action.
At the heart of Coolin’ with Cola is a commitment to neighborhood safety. The event offers a unique and welcoming space for residents to come together, build relationships, and engage with city departments in a positive environment. By creating opportunities for community connection and visibility, the event supports the broader mission of reducing violence, increasing trust, and empowering residents to play an active role in keeping their neighborhoods safe.
This initiative reflects the City of Columbia’s continued efforts to invest in people, promote public safety, and cultivate strong, resilient communities.
Thrive Online, Shine Offline: Keeping Kids Healthy Together
Saturday, June 21, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC 29204
The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement is partnering with the SC Attorney General’s Office Internet Crime Against Children and other community partners to host a family friendly event. There will be free food, free giveaways, services providers’ onsite, informative sessions on topics for youth and adults, as well as a special musical performance by “Da Fisherman.”
The event is free to the public and those interested can register by clicking this link:
Lock It, Live It: Gun Violence Prevention Fair and Community Day
Saturday, June 21, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Ensor Keenan House, 801 Wildwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203
The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement is partnering with several community partners to host a Gun Violence Prevention Fair and Community Day. This event is part of the broader Choose Peace, Create Change initiative to raise awareness and promote safe firearm storage, education, and community-based violence prevention. Building on the momentum of the Lock It Up, Columbia! campaign, this event will feature local organizations, resources for families, youth activities, firearm safety presentations, and more. The event will also feature a powerful presentation from BeSMART, a national program promoting secure firearm storage to protect children and families. Attendees can expect interactive workshops, activities, and obtain resources from community service partners. After the informative workshops, the event will transition into a celebration of community with live music by Columbia’s own DJiAM, alongside a vibrant resource fair, local food vendors, and more.
Those interested can register by clicking this link: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/251403782192960
Power Up: Peace Mode Workshops
June 25, 2025 -July 30, 2025 | Belmont Community (Gable Oaks Community Center-901 Colleton Street)
The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement presents Power Up: Peace Mode, which is a dynamic five-week program designed to equip youth with essential social-emotional learning (SEL) skills while engaging them in meaningful service projects. The series of social emotional learning workshops will focus on helping youth build self-awareness, develop empathy, resist peer pressure, and resolve conflicts peacefully. Each week covers a different topic through engaging themes and interactive activities. The target age for these workshops is 10-17 years old.
June 25: Who Am I?
July 2: Kindness is Courage
July 9: My Voice, My Choice
July 16: Peace Builders
July 23: Leveled Up: Leading with Peace
July 30: Peace Mode Finale
For more information, please contact Kimberly Goethe via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (839) 218-2849. Visit the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement’s webpage at https://crimeprevention.columbiasc.gov/ for more information on all of these great events, as well as additional information!
