On Saturday, October 19th a small group of concerned residents of Maywood, village officials, Mothers of Murdered Sons, and local churches, including BMBC members, answered the call to participate in a prayer walk to support the Smart Routes Program. Smart Routes is a pilot program similar to Chicago’s Safe Passage Program that looks out for the safety of students as they go to and from school. Strengthening Proviso Youth (SPY), an NFP agency, whose mission is to ensure all youth grow up in a safe, supportive, and thriving community, manages the Smart Routes Program. Antonette Dorris, an employee of SPY and BMBC member, recommended the prayer walk. Knowing the power of prayer, she believed the pilot needed to be blessed and covered by the Lord in order to be successful.

The prayer walk started at Irving Middle School located at Washington Blvd and 17th Avenue and concluding at the Maywood Park District located at 9th Avenue and Madison Street. Walkers were asked to pray for the safety and well being of neighborhood youth, community leaders, families, extension of the program, and peace. “ It was important that residents see collaboration for great things, a sense of togetherness, and ownership for the community in which we live. It was an awesome effort in getting with other local faith organizations to come together on one accord,” said Sister Dorris.

Prayers to extend the program are already being answered. SPY has been asked to extend the program to another school in Maywood and one in Forest Park. Extending the program means job opportunities for residents. The program is currently looking for individuals available to work 3 – 4 hours a day during the school year. Information about job opportunities, SPY, or the Smart Routes Program can be found on their website at StrengtheningProvisoYouth.org.

If you were unable to attend this year’s prayer walk, plan to come out next year. Plans are underway for another prayer walk in May 2020.