Many people talk about what needs to be done in the community, but never take the initiative to facilitate change. Not so with Michael Fiore, vice president of Leonard S. Fiore, Inc., Altoona, Pa., and a member of Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) Central Pennsylvania Chapter.
In February 2007, Fiore decided to do something about the drug use and related violent crime occurring in Altoona. He helped establish Operation Our Town, a partnership between businesses and the community aimed at cleaning up the neighborhoods of Blair County, Pa., through law enforcement, proven treatment and prevention techniques, and education for school-aged children.
"The idea started with a conversation with law enforcement about budgetary issues, lack of funding and the gun violence and drug use that had increased in the community," Fiore says.
With the help of approximately 300 volunteers working on Operation Our Town roundtables, the initiative secured three-year financial commitments of more than $1 million.
With the money raised, grants are awarded twice a year to local nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies. In the first grant cycle of 2008, 10 programs received grants totaling $100,000. Recipients included after-school programs, student assistance programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Salvation Army.
In addition, local law enforcement receives grants every year for drug raids, new equipment, overtime for officers and even a $45,000 payment for an assistant district attorney specializing in drug cases.
"The program has been very well received within the community," says Shawna Hoover, coordinator of Operation Our Town. "It’s becoming more popular and people are realizing that you have to be involved in the community to change it."
Since its inception, Operation Our Town has been key to turning around Blair County’s crime and drug problems. As of the initiative’s first anniversary in February 2008, Altoona slashed juvenile drug arrests and saw a 67 percent decrease in accidental drug overdoses.
"I really think the aggressive drug law enforcement, which Our Town helped fund, is a major reason why crime is down county-wide," says Logan Township Police Chief Ron Heller.
Adds Hoover: "We hope this continues to grow and get bigger. We want to continue to help law enforcement and to make our community better."
ABC’s Central Pennsylvania Chapter markets the initiative and solicits involvement from business leaders and individuals.
"It’s very important for the youth to have a program like this when they’re coming through the school system," says Dave Remick, president of ABC’s Central Pennsylvania Chapter. "We all have a general concern about what’s going on. It’s wonderful to have a contractor take the bull by the horns and take action."