LAKELAND  |  More than 1,000 gathered at Resurrection Parish in Lakeland for the Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment (PEACE) annual Nehemiah Action.

The action follows the example of Neh 5:1-13, where Nehemiah gathers the “great assembly” to bring justice to his community after hearing about its economic exploitation. The organization answers the social justice call of Catholics as well as other denominations. Together the churches research, present findings to elected officials, and work alongside them to bring about positive changes in Polk County.

Father Jarek Sztybel, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Lakeland and PEACE vice-president, explained the call to justice as he rallied those gathered. The two issues at hand were continued efforts to reduce unnecessary arrests for minor offenses in Winter Haven and Lakeland, and to work toward improved services for seniors after the closure of several county senior assisted living facilities.

Winter Haven Chief of Police Vance Monroe and City Manager Charlie Bird committed to working on a plan to reduce arrests and to police training to make it happen. In office since September 2024, the newly elected police chief said he would do his best to work toward a Sept. 1 date.

Christine Goding of St. Joseph Parish in Lakeland reported PEACE has worked for three years to reduce arrests in Winter Haven and Lakeland and reported some success. Several Winter Haven commissioners were on hand. Progress in Lakeland with the Adult Pre-Arrest Aversion (APAV) program came through Lakeland Police Chief Sammy Taylor who has trained Lakeland Police officers to offer diversion to all eligible people.

No progress was made on actions to advance the care of seniors, but Polk County Administrator Bill Beasley has agreed to meet with PEACE leaders to discuss a plan April 8, during which time there will also be a prayer gathering to support the dialogue. The desire is affirmation of a commitment to help 1,000 seniors in need on the waitlist for in-home services such as dressing, bathing, and making nutritious meals.

Currently there are 2,700 seniors on the waitlist. PEACE hopes to help the county develop a plan by July 1.

Research indicates seniors do better if they are able to live out their remaining years at home. The desire is to increase in-home services which are less expensive than nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Almost 26% of Polk County residents are more than 60 years old. This year multiple senior living facilities in the area have closed aggravating an already difficult situation.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, April 3, 2025