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Columbia explores possibility of mentorship and workforce development program for youth

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia’s Office of Violence Prevention Administrator D’Markus Thomas-Brown is looking to help youth reach their academic and career goals. “Anecdotally, CPS and different organizations have identified that 13-to-17 age range where we’re seeing some of the violence,” Thomas-Brown said. “So, a program that targets that directed demographic and seeing the success they

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First of several community mental health sessions scheduled for Saturday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The first of several community mental health sessions in Columbia will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Hanover Village Community Center. Columbia Office of Violence Prevention Administrator D’Markus Thomas-Brown confirmed the first date on Tuesday. The city approved a $21,000 contract with TMT Consulting last month to provide six trauma-informed and community

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City of Columbia explores ordinance that would bar panhandling at major intersections

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia has suggested an ordinance that would make panhandling illegal at high-traffic intersections. “They’re calling it a pedestrian safety measure, but in reality it’s a getting the homeless out of the median ordinance,” said John Trapp, Executive Director for Columbia’s Room at the Inn. The ordinance would regulate the

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Columbia bar continues partnership with national organization, trains staff to de-escalate dangerous situations

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Willie’s/Fieldhouse bar in downtown Columbia held its annual staff training on Sunday with SAFE Bar Network on how to recognize and de-escalate situations that could potentially turn dangerous. “We focus on skills to recognize uncomfortable and unsafe behavior, interrupt in a way that’s effective and de-escalate and then provide each other support,” SAFE

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Mid-Missourians fear losing SNAP benefits as federal government shutdown continues

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Millions of Americans could lose access to essential food assistance in November as the federal shutdown drags on. That number includes more than 700,000 Missourians. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has directed state agencies to pause the distribution of November SNAP benefits, which are fully funded by the federal government. However,

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