Communities Partnering 4 Peace Wins UChicago ‘Distinctive Innovation and Social Service Award‘
The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice recently awarded Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) with the 2024 Distinctive Innovation and Social Service Award. This accolade is given annually to deserving social service agencies and programs that demonstrate innovation in their approaches and practices while reflecting the mission of the school.
CP4P was recognized for the coalition’s groundbreaking efforts in creating a workforce model that interrupts and mediates violence, providing comprehensive services, and having a direct impact on the city of Chicago. It was noted that CP4P organizations have been instrumental in fostering safer communities through their strategic initiatives.
MFS President and CEO Ric Estrada, proudly accepted the Distinctive Innovation award on behalf of all members of CP4P, MFS, and MPI.
“I had the honor and the privilege to kind of be the facilitator and convener because of our role in Metropolitan Family Services,” said Estrada. “But [CP4P] was founded by seven other community-based organizations that, together with Metropolitan Family Services, created this program that we now call CP4P, and has launched additional initiatives, the Metropolitan Peace Academy and the Metropolitan Peace Initiatives.”
Estrada expressed profound gratitude and highlighted the collective effort and unwavering dedication of the CP4P team, whose hard work and commitment have been pivotal in making Chicago a safer city.
“We have stuck together because we know that if we don’t stick together this doesn’t work and we don’t help bring peace to the city,” he continued. “We need to continue to be committed to doing this work. The city depends on it, families depend on it, and certainly our future depends on it.”
An alumnus of the University of Chicago, Estrada was also hooded during a special ceremony held ahead of the award ceremony, as part of UChicago’s Alumni Weekend events.