The grand opening of CCD Woodside held on May 5, 2022 (Photo provided by the office of Councilmember Julie Won)
May 11, 2022 By Czarinna Andres
A non-profit organization that focuses on violence prevention has opened a location near Woodside Houses.
The organization, called Community Capacity Development, held a grand opening event at its new 31-05 51st St. office on Thursday.
The group’s mission is to save lives and promote safe neighborhoods through anti-gun violence and public safety initiatives. The organization has locations in Queensbridge and Jamaica.
The opening of the site in Woodside is viewed as a continuation of the organization’s Human Justice Model that aims to provide a comprehensive community driven strategy for healing, training and leadership development.
K Bain, the founder and executive director of the organization, spoke at the grand opening. He credited elected officials Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Councilmember Julie Won for their support and attendance. He also recognized the police.
“There is some law enforcement here,” Bain said. “We have to salute them. They have a very difficult job. They put their lives on the line every day.”
However, Bain added, residents should not be dependent on the NYPD.
“They should not be called every time someone has a mental health issue in the community,” Bain said. “We should be the ones who step up and protect our grandmothers and grandmothers and we should be the ones at the schools to make sure our children are entering and leaving properly.”
“This is about the community,” he said. “This is about us, investing in us.”
The Grand Opening of CCD newest Human Justice Community Violence Intervention Site in Woodside. This a Continuation of the Human Justice model to provide a more comprehensive Community strategy for healing, training and leadership development in the Woodside community. pic.twitter.com/sG4Oq9vUsL
— Community Capacity Development (@ccdworldwide) May 6, 2022
The organization will offer a range of services, such as human justice and healing training, mentorship, diplomacy & conflict mediation training, recruitment of credible messengers, and violence interruption specialists.
Special attention will be given to address trauma and mental health.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who was in attendance, praised Bain and the organization. He also complimented the CCD in a tweet.
“The work that K Bain and CCD do every single day to uplift Queens families is not only influential and inspirational, it’s life-saving,” he said. “Woodside is in great hands with this incredible team of selfless servants and pioneers of peace. Congrats on your new office.”
Councilmember Won also attended and congratulated Bain and CCD on the opening of the new office.
“K Bain and his team have transformed Queensbridge by building up community and serving their neighbors with understanding and compassion,” Won said. “Expanding their reach to more of District 26 is key to helping our communities thrive.”
The Woodside office will aim to address residents’ safety needs and provide resources and support where needed. Special attention will be given to address trauma and mental health.
The ribbon cutting of CCD Woodside held on May 5, 2022 (Photo provided by the office of Councilmember Julie Won)
