Crisis Alternative Response Evanston

The City has launched its Crisis Alternative Response Evanston (C.A.R.E.) program, an innovative initiative aimed at providing a non-police response to certain low-risk service calls. This program reimagines public safety with the goal of fostering a stronger, more connected community. Though the C.A.R.E. program operates independently from the Evanston Police Department, it has their full expressed support. By easing the burden on police resources, the C.A.R.E. team enables police officers to focus on addressing criminal activities and implementing proactive community safety measures.

What is the C.A.R.E. team?

The C.A.R.E team consists of dedicated professionals whose lived experience and training will allow them to respond to a range of community concerns, including:

Nuisance complaints
Well-being checks
City ordinance violations
Panhandling
Vagrant
Lost, confused person
Leaf blower violation
Miscellaneous public service
Mental subject
Soliciting complaint

With a focus on proactive engagement and relationship-building, the C.A.R.E. team provides compassionate and effective support to community members.

How do I contact the C.A.R.E. team?

C.A.R.E. team members will be available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There are three ways to contact the team, call:

Meet the C.A.R.E. team members

05s (1) Jeron Dorsey

Jeron Dorsey, born and raised in Evanston, began his career with the City in 2013. He has held various roles within the Recreation Department, most recently serving as the Recreation Manager for the Robert Crown Community Center in 2023. After a brief period away, Jeron returned to Evanston and now serves as a Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation. In this role, he manages the C.A.R.E team, oversees the Youth and Family Services and Community Arts Division, and leads all department community service initiatives. Jeron holds a BA in Business Administration with a minor in HR Management from Ashford University and a Master's in Sports Administration from Northwestern. He enjoys fitness, travel and spending time with his wife and two children. He is a Certified Crisis Responder and certified in Crisis Prevention by the Crisis Prevention Institute.

Jordan Barnett

Jordan Barnett, born and raised in Evanston, joined the City's C.A.R.E. team in June 2024. He brings seven years of experience as an educator with Chicago Public Schools. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Illinois and a Master's in Education with a focus on Learning Behavior Specialist from DePaul University. He has a deep passion for community work and is honored to serve the people of Evanston. Jordan enjoys spending time with his four-year-old son, focusing on health and fitness, playing recreational basketball, and pouring back into the youth through sports and education. He is a Certified Crisis Responder and certified in Crisis Prevention by the Crisis Prevention Institute.

02s (1)

Rachel Stams

Rachel joined the City in 2022 as the Senior Services Coordinator and Community Ombudsman. Previously, she spent 19 years working with adults and children with developmental disabilities. She worked as a trainer and supervisor, providing in-home care to older adults and their families. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, a Master's in Healthcare Administration, and a Master's in Social Work. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, trying new restaurants, and attending concerts. Rachel is a Certified Crisis Responder and certified in Crisis Prevention by the Crisis Prevention Institute.

Jorge Puma

Jorge is from Rogers Park and joined the City's C.A.R.E. team in June 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University Chicago. Jorge has spent most of his career as a public servant and has a true passion in giving back to the community. Prior to joining the City, Jorge worked for the Illinois Attorney General's Office Crime Victims Bureau, where he has helped many families and individuals across the state of Illinois. Outside of work, Jorge enjoys traveling, playing basketball, and spending time with his family. He is a Certified Crisis Responder and certified in Crisis Prevention by the Crisis Prevention Institute.

Lucas Goodman

Lucas joined the City's C.A.R.E. team in June 2024. He has an extensive background and training in working with diverse populations of individuals both with disabilities and in crisis situations. Lucas earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2022. He looks forward to serving the Evanston community at large and hopes to help those in crisis get connected with the right resources and assistance. Outside of work, Lucas enjoys spending time with his dog, making music, and playing basketball. He is a Certified Crisis Responder and certified in Crisis Prevention by the Crisis Prevention Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What training have C.A.R.E. team members received?

C.A.R.E. team members have undergone rigorous Emergency Crisis Responder training provided by Oakton College, covering various aspects of crisis intervention, mental health, restorative justice, and community resources to equip them with the necessary skills and sensitivities to respond to community crises. Throughout the first year of this program, C.A.R.E team members will receive supplementary field training facilitated by the Evanston Police Department and the Evanston Fire Department. This inclusive training will encompass Narcan administration and C.P.R., among other essential skill sets. Read more.

How will calls be dispatched and triaged to the C.A.R.E. team?

How did this program get started?

In October 2020, the Alternative Emergency Response Subcommittee convened with the goal of developing a non-police response for community members in immediate need. The committee reviewed comparable programs, assessed local needs, and crafted recommendations.

In May 2021, Mayor Daniel Biss signed Resolution 58-R-21, establishing the Reimagining Public Safety Committee. This committee was tasked with reviewing the City's public safety initiatives, including funding allocation, police department functions, internal policies, and crime reduction strategies alignment.

Following efforts by both the Alternative Emergency Response Subcommittee and Reimagining Public Safety Committee, Resolution 68-R-22 was signed in November 2022, authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP). LEAP was charged with considering ways to enhance the civilian response to 9-1-1 emergency calls through data analysis, community responder program research, and engagement with the Evanston Police Department and community members.

In November, 2023 LEAP published a report with several recommendations including:

The program should be housed in the Parks and Recreation Department, as an expansion to established Outreach program
Responders should be dispatched through 9-1-1 and non-emergency lines (3-1-1- and police non-emergency)
The City of Evanston should allocate funds towards the program
Teams of two should be trained to respond to low-risk calls, conserving police resources and preventing negative or even dangerous interactions between officers and community members

Finally, in February 2024, the Evanston City Council approved $400,000 to kickstart the C.A.R.E. program, including the facilitation of the program's development, recruitment and training processes.

Who are some of the partner organizations in this initiative?

Connections for the Homeless
Impact Behavioral Health
Interfaith Action Evanston
James B Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
Mental Health Task Force
Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education
PEER Services
Thresholds
Trilogy
Turning Point
YMCA
YWCA

How will I recognize the C.A.R.E. team?