The Violence Prevention Collaborative (VPC) creates a space for community leaders and organizations to work together toward the goal of a just and peaceful community. The network was started over a decade ago, when Enlace convened a coalition of local organizations to address rising violence in the community. Currently, VPC members include over 25 diverse organizations, including community organizations with multiple focus areas, schools, churches and the Chicago Police Department. This diversity allows the network to address multiple forms of violence in a comprehensive way. The collaborative focuses on three issue areas that include community violence, domestic violence and the built environment, and utilizes three key strategies that include systems change, coordination of services and training.
In 2006, the VPC inaugurated “Healing the Hood,” its signature initiative. What began as a one-day festival has become a series of events throughout the summer held in the name of peace and healing. The goals are to engage partners in a shared vision for violence prevention efforts, create continuous positive activity during what is considered the most violent time of year, highlight the strengths of the community and of VPC member organizations, and reinforce the connections between local community members, organizations and institutions.
For more information about the VPC, contact vpc@enlacechicago.org.
Healing the Hood Sticker Contest 2026
Welcome to the Violence Prevention Collaborative's (VPC) 9th Annual Healing the Hood Sticker Art Contest!
Please review the Sticker Contest form before submitting.
Rules and Guidelines:
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Original designs only! AI images will be automatically disqualified.
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All ages welcome!
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Artist must reside or have a relationship to La Villita/Little Village community (Resident, Work, Family, Student)
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Must Incorporate the words: "Heal the Hood" or "Healing the Hood."
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All Designs must be submitted in hi-resolution file (PNG/PDF/JPEG)
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Your design will be judged on level of creativity, clear messaging, and if it makes a good sticker.
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Submit your design and info to the Google Form (this one)
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Deadline: May 24, 2026 by 11:59 PM
The Violence Prevention Collaborative promotes peace in Little Village.
Selected winners will receive a Visa gift card.
Permissions: All artwork must be original, with no exceptions.
Selected designs grant the VPC royalty-free & license to use the image.
Please email us with any questions at vpc@enlacechicago.org
Story: Healing the Hood Sticker Contest
Claudia is a talented artist and community organizer from Little Village. In 2018, she began the Healing the Hood Sticker Art Contest to answer the call for neighborhood artists, visibility, opportunity, and collaboration to promote healing in the community she calls home. During her career at Enlace Chicago, she was able to expand the initiative to include artists of all ages, award multiple winners, and showcase art entries in an art exhibit for all to enjoy. The Violence Prevention Collaborative is honored to continue her legacy as she devotes more time to her personal artwork and work in reducing domestic violence at The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence. Claudia continues to advocate for community art and promote up-and-coming artists with organizations like Villapalooza and Villarte, one canvas at a time.
You can find more information and portfolio of their work online at claudiarts.com or social media @claudiarts on Instagram.