Understanding Our Communities: What the Data Says

  • 12 presenters
  • 4 panels
  • 63 attendees
  • 55 community organizations and agencies represented
  • 2 moderators

The Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), in partnership with the Charleston Forum and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, hosted a one-day event focused on community issues. The event highlighted local data on education and youth support, housing and food insecurity, medical and behavioral healthcare, and crime and gun violence. With a long-term vision of promoting data-driven decision making and strengthening collaboration, the initiative aims to create a more fair, just, and equitable criminal justice system.

When, Where, and Cost

The event was held on April 18, 2023, from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. in Mount Pleasant.

Printed Material

Agenda and Materials

9:00 am:
Opening remarks by Rabbi Yossi Refson, Chabad of Charleston Center for Jewish Life
9:10 am:
Tonya M. Matthews, PhD, International African American Museum (IAAM)
9:30 am—10:30 am:

Gun Violence & Criminal Justice panel:

  • Dr. Ashley Hink, MUSC, MPH [Handout]
  • Kristy Danford, MPA, Charleston Forum
10:40 am—11:40 am:

Food & Housing Panel:

  • Jennifer DeWitt, Lowcountry Food Bank [Handout]
  • Craig Logan, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
12:40 pm—1:40 pm:

Education & Youth Support panel:

  • John Read, MBA, Read Partners LLC
  • Keith Smalls, My Communitys Mentor Group & MUSC
1:40 pm—2:40 pm:

Behavioral & Medical Healthcare panel:

  • Jennifer Brush, LPC, CPM, CDMHC
  • Thomas Lewis, MD, MUSC Institute of Psychiatry
  • Greg Barabell, MD, Clear Bell Solutions
3:00 pm:
Closing & call to action: Ellen Steinberg, JD, CJCC