Kane County coroner, Rob Russell, announced last week, the collaboration of his office with international award-winning Latino author and civic leader, Dr. Robert Renteria. His From the Barrio bilingual book series helps to address conditions that help youth avoid choices that may lead to violence, delinquency, drug use, and gangs. The Barrio program promotes education, a valued sense of pride and accomplishment, and social values that foster improved self-esteem. Together we will be donating an academic curriculum to schools at no cost that addresses critical thinking and conflict resolution.
“Since 2018, Kane County has averaged 15 homicides per year. Local, State, and Federal, police agencies have had to deal with an increasing amount of violence,” said Russell. “My goal is to help address this violence, by partnering with Dr. Renteria, and his proven program, because no one should have to bury a child.”
Coroner Russell said the collaboration will include being in the community with Dr. Renteria, being host to events, as well as offering the Barrio books to at-risk youth. We have already offered books to the Kane County Youth Home, Elgin Township, and various organizations in Aurora. For more information, please visit www.fromthebarrio.com.
— Kane County Coroner