By Mike McClure

Last Friday, End Community Violence Now (ECVN) joined community leaders, violence survivors, and local organizations to discuss the challenges faced in Sussex County in regards to gun violence. ECVN, a statewide initiative focused on reducing community gun violence throughout Delaware, is now bringing its efforts to Southern Delaware after a launching in Wilmington on Dec. 10, was joined by local group Operation West Laurel (OWL), which was introduced before ECVN’s presentation and question and answer session.

According to ECVN Executive Director Lauren Footman, the organization started as a public and private partnership and registered as a non-profit in 2024. ECVN provides support to organizations through leadership development and building infrastructure. It also does community education such as gun violence as a public health issue and is funded through grants in public and private sector. Footman said ECVN is also developing a community violence strategic plan for the state of Delaware.

ECVN is looking make its presence felt in Southern Delaware communities that have been significantly impacted by violence and is committed to ensuring that every part of the state is engaged in the fight against gun violence.

End Community Violence Now Executive Director Lauren Footman takes questions from the audience during last Friday’s meeting in Laurel. Photo by Mike McClure

During the question and answer session with Footman, Laurel Police Chief Rob Kracyla pointed out that 85 percent of 6-17 year-olds in Laurel come from one family households. He also pointed to high density public assisted housing in the town.

Kracyla said one of the shootings in town happened after somebody at a party took a gun and then shot someone with it the next day. “As soon as you put a gun in their hand they’re going to shoot it,” Kracyla said of teenagers.

One community member said there was a need for activities for kids. Representatives from the Laurel Boys and Girls Club pointed out that the club is open to local kids, but getting them to the building is sometimes an issue.

Laurel Mayor John Shwed said the town needs a new club building. It is currently in the old armory building that was given to the club. Shwed suggested that the club buy the junk yard next to the current building and build a new one, pointing out that the town doesn’t have a community swimming pool.

He urged those in attendance to “think big.” He also suggested turning the vacant 1921 school building into a business center.

Another community member mentioned the inequity in funding between upstate and downstate.

Laurel Superintendent Dr. Shawn Larrimore said millions of dollars are going to Wilmington.“We’ve got the same demographic in Sussex County,” he said.

Larrimore said the school district is working with the Boys and Girls Club for an afterschool program for older kids. The district also has a program for girls in grades 1-6.

He also said that a referendum would be needed to turn the 1921 building into a school and a certificate of necessity would be needed from the state in order to receive 80 percent funding. The state did not approve any certificates of necessity this year and denied Laurel’s application last year.

Senator Bryant Richardson urged community members to bring him ideas to present to the state bond bill committee. “Let me work on your behalf. I think we can accomplish something for Laurel,” said Richardson.

Seaford Mayor Matt MacCoy said ending violence in local communities won’t happen over night. “We’re not going to end community violence now. It’s going to take a lot of time. It’s going to take a lot of effort,” McCoy said.

“As someone from Southern Delaware, I understand the unique challenges our communities face with gun violence,” said Amy Handy, Vice Chair of ECVN.

By working in partnership ECVN is creating a sustainable ecosystem for reducing gun violence across Delaware through private public partnership.