Metropolitan Peace Initiatives

In case you missed it: Peace Portraits presented by Illinois Peace Project is a finalist in the Shorty Awards for Impact for Public Safety🏆Congratulations to the team! View the entry and vote by October 13th:

Peace Portraits, presented by Illinois Peace Project - The Shorty Awards An international award show that recognizes and celebrates the innovation and creativity in digital and social media, by brands, agencies, nonprofits and individuals.

Since 1989, October has been recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to educate ourselves and others, support those who experience abuse, and celebrate the strength and resilience of survivors. Across the United States, domestic violence is frequently minimized, the services families rely upon are being cut, and there are too many barriers to safety. Survivors deserve action.

If you want to take action to support survivors, there are many ways to help. You can:
- Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child
- Talk to loved ones about healthy relationships, red flags, and domestic violence
- Create a culture of consent in your home
- Donate time, goods, or funds to your local domestic violence program
- Advocate for policies that support survivors and their families

We’re excited to share that Peace Portraits presented by Illinois Peace Project is a finalist in the Shorty Awards for Impact for Public Safety🏆Congratulations to the team! View the entry and vote by October 13th:

Peace Portraits, presented by Illinois Peace Project - The Shorty Awards An international award show that recognizes and celebrates the innovation and creativity in digital and social media, by brands, agencies, nonprofits and individuals.

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives is hiring a Behavioral Health Specialist! Spread the word and click to learn more. https://recruiting.ultipro.com/MET1011METRF/JobBoard/15c3e95c-3b21-790a-16f3-df13fbde06e5/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=c93221a7-ba55-4ba6-8c66-b91e97408f74

Last week, the 2026 Strides for Peace Gun Violence Expo brought together community leaders, advocates, artists, faith leaders, and organizations to create safer and stronger communities. Read more here:

Prosperity Through Collaboration: Highlights From the 2026 Strides for Peace Expo - Metropolitan Peace Initiatives The 2026 Strides for Peace Gun Violence Expo brought together community leaders, advocates, artists, faith leaders, and organizations to create safer and stronger communities.

As a finalist, Illinois Peace Project 2026 Peace Portraits is running for the Audience Honor! Help us spread the word and vote for the campaign before October 13th https://shortyawards.com/11th-impact/illinois-peace-project-presents-peace-portraits

Congratulations, Ric! Recently, Ric Estrada, President and CEO of Metropolitan Family Services (MFS), was recognized as an Impact Awardee at the opening gala for the National Gun Violence Prevention Expo, hosted by Strides for Peace . Estrada was honored on behalf of the work being led in Chicago by Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI), a division of MFS, and Communities Partnering 4 Peace - CP4P in the field of Community Violence Intervention (CVI).

MFS CEO Ric Estrada Honored by Strides for Peace for Outstanding Contributions to Gun Violence Prevention - Metropolitan Peace Initiatives On September 24, Ric Estrada, President and CEO of Metropolitan Family Services (MFS), was recognized as an Impact Awardee at the opening gala for the National Gun Violence Prevention Expo, hosted by Strides for Peace.

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Are you or someone you know a champion of peace in your community? Nominate someone or apply for Peace Portraits, a visual project dedicated to spotlighting the incredible individuals making a difference in Illinois! Applications are now open. https://illinoispeaceproject.org/peace-portraits/about/

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI) had the pleasure of welcoming a Sister City delegation from Osaka, Japan, for a special site visit focused on community, connection, healing, and shared learning.

The Sister City delegation visit provided an opportunity for representatives from Osaka to learn more about MPI’s work and Chicago’s community-based approach to violence prevention, behavioral health, and community engagement. The visit also created space for cross-cultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas about strengthening communities and building meaningful relationships.

Learn more about MPI here: https://metropolitanpeaceinitiatives.org/our-work/