Green Bay Reporter

The City of Green Bay's Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) has officially opened a new facility on Green Bay's East Side. Located at 617 N. Irwin Ave, the space aims to advance efforts in reducing violence and fostering community safety. The initiative is a result of a partnership between the City of Green Bay, the Green Bay Area Public School District, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

This new facility is equipped with resources such as a recording studio, a lending library, video production tools, and interactive workshops. The resources are part of OVP's approach to engage participants in programs that provide creative, non-violent alternatives. The team employs the Rewire CBT method developed by the Roca Impact Institute, which has shown success in other communities.

Mayor Eric Genrich commented on the initiative, stating, “This new space is a testament to the important work being done by the OVP team," noting its significance in connecting with participants through evidence-based strategies.

The grand opening event is scheduled for Monday, April 14. The day's activities include a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m., followed by a Community Partner Open House from 3 to 6 p.m. Parking will be available on Elm Street or at the corner of Elm and Irwin.

OVP Director Andrea Kressin expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, saying, “Having a dedicated space for this impactful work is a tremendous step forward for our community. We are deeply grateful to our partners for helping us create an environment where we can continue building a safer community for everyone.”

Further information about OVP's initiatives can be accessed at www.greenbaywi.gov/ovp.