Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 208 BOCNEWS.com JULY 2016 Dianne Cooks, 'Healin The Hood' On Saturday, June 25, 2016 Families Against Violent Acts one of the Largest Venues to be held in the Montbello area of Denver, Hosted its 10th Annual Multi-cultural 'Healin the Hood' Community Empowerment Resource Fair with approximately 800 persons in attendance. In an era where Heroes and Heroines are almost extinct.. Dianne Cooks, Executive Director of the Faith-based Non-Profit Organization Families Against Violent Acts ( FAVA) established in January 2006 is an Extraordinary Woman who is known for her Immense Dedication, Exemplary Leadership and for bridging the Gap in Our Community by providing resources that not only increase Family Values but increase the Value of Our Community. Dianne is a very loving Mother who would experi- ence the near tragic loss of her eldest son Michael Hope..better known as 'Inner State Ike' who would be near fatally wounded and sustain life changing injuries during the Epic Melee of Gang Violence that erupted in the Hot Summer of 2005. The aftermath would leave the Streets of Our City stained with the precious blood of Mothers Sons gunned down in cold blood during senseless and random acts associated with gang violence. Only a merciful God could help Dianne endure the horrific feelings of shock and helplessness that would be felt by herself and other mothers who also would received the dreaded phone call notifying them that their Sons had been fatally or near fatally wounded and would find themselves reaching out to Dianne for comfort advice and answers to the question WHY. With Faith and Determination Dianne would find the Courage and Strength to work through her tears in search of finding the "right" answers to some of the communities most important questions and pressing issues determined to find solutions to help solve the problems caused by Gang Violence and bring it to a screeching halt. The Non- Profit Organization Families Against Violent Acts ( FAVA ) whose Mission is to "Heal The Hearts of Hurting Families. would seek to find ways to restore peace and harmony to the Community that would be instrumental in its rebuilding, restructuring and preserving the Quality of Family Life.. Not afraid of a Challenge nor a Fight with a fear- less, no nonsense, non-violent approach likened to that of Legendary Civil Rights Leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr or Mahatmas Gandhi Dianne began reaching out talking with Mothers, Families, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies,Social and Civic Organizations, Companies and Businesses and began to voice her concerns during community Gang task force forums and ral- lies promoting non- violence. With Holy Boldness Dianne was a force to be reckoned with she would be invited to speak directly with Gang Leaders and self-professed gang members to address issues and find ways to resolve the gang violence disrupting our community..this was just the beginning for FAVA. The name Dianne Cooks would quickly become a household word known for making a Visible Difference in the community making a lasting Impact in the lives of the families she touched. What better place for Dianne and FAVA to begin its campaign against Violence than in the "City Streets " where it all began In 2006 Dianne would organize FAVAS First Annual "Healin the Hood" Community Empowerment Resource Fair providing vital resource information to a community that for years had been held hos- tage by fear and the threat of gang violence. As a preventative measure and deterrent to vio- lent crimes FAVAS focus is to create a strategy that will have a profound impact in redirecting the crim- inal intent of Gang Members and Mis-Guided Youth providing for a more substantive way to achieve Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency alleviating the need to victimize and harm innocent persons, or to commit a crime for the sole purpose of survival. During The Month of May with the 2016 school yearcoming to a close, and to prevent the anticipat- ed summer of gang violence, FAVA would reach out to the Community on May 28, 2016 at Montebello High School FAVA in Partnership with the Pipkin- Braswell Funeral Home and Mr. James Caruso Chief Corner for the City and County of Denver to present a 'Reality Check' during the production of 'Don't Cry For Me' an adaptation designed to bring both understanding and awareness to the commu- nity regarding the Value of Human Life, Death and the void it can leave in the lives of families, because death is not the END, nor the Finality of a persons life but just the beginning for Families and Friends who have a responsibility to to make adequate funeral and burial arrangements for a loved one or deceased can become burdensome with the enor- mous cost incurred for an untimely or unexpected death and has caused many families to declare bankruptcy. Having seen the tears and heard the outcries of a vulnerable community reaching out for HELP to end the Violence, understanding the pain and struggle and the need for a comprehensive plan that works helping to formulate a cohesive alliance between Families and Businesses is germane for its success- ful..EVERYONE must get involved. Dianne and FAVA is Grateful to Community Leaders, Politicians and prominent Businesses, Companies and Corporations in addition to Social, Civic and Local Law Enforcement Agencies who have teamed up to Partner with FAVA by providing valuable resources and information in the areas of Early Gang Intervention and Mentoring Programs, Employment, Education, Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Prevention, Mental Health Counseling and Anger Management, Health and Well Being. Very Grateful Families and Citizens of The 'New' revitalized Montbello Community many of whom attribute their success to Dianne Cooks, "Miss Cooks "as she is Lovingly referred to including Former Gang Members who attest to the fact that because of the Selfless and Caring Sacrifice of "One Woman,' Willing to Make a Difference " they are alive today and have become Good Citizens in the community leading Productive Lives raising Families and instilling FAVAS positive values and standards in their own children. Because of the relentless tenacity of the Phenomenal Miss Dianne Cooks a Woman, Well Respected and Highly Esteemed for her tireless efforts to answer the question WHY.. The Laughter of Children at play is once again wafting in the air, Senior citizens are exercising and walking once again for health and wellness , much needed revenue has been regenerated as prominent busi- nesses, companies and corporations have once again returned to the community and Families are Living the American Dream with the Building of New homes and schools. Dianne has received numerous awards for her Outstanding Work in the Community. During the recent 10th Year 2016 FAVA 'Healin the Hood' Community Empowerment Resource Fair Dianne would receive a Prestigious Mayoral Proclamation from Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock recognizing her her Exemplary Leadership, Hardwork, Dedication and Commitment to the pre- vention of Gang and Domestic violence, Declaring June 25, 2016 Dianne Cooks and Families Against Violent Acts Day.. Dianne has also been recognized by the follow- ing organizations for her Outstanding work in the Community.... April 2016- Strengthening the Families Community Award October 2015- Steps to Success Positive Recognition Award for 'Unsung Hero' April 2014- FAVA FLAVA Award from Stephanie David April 2013- Dianne was an invited a guest of President Barak Obama during his address on gun control at the Denver Academy April 2013- Harambee Non- Violence Organizational Award December 2013- Kathy Hill-Young Award for Community Organization December 2012- Kathy Hill-Young Award for Leadership February 2010- The Bettye Emerson Award for Educating Youth and Family October 2008- Peaceful International Conflict Resolution Award from Denver University August 2007- Excellence in Leadership Award From Senior Pastors Leon and Yvonne Emerson, Now Faith Christian Center By Michelle Fayne COMMUNITY