Teny Oded Gross says goodbye to RI, will pursue similar work in Chicago

Teny Oded Gross, executive director of the Institute for the Study & Practice of Nonviolence and an important role model for Rhode Island, is leaving the Ocean State to start a nonviolence institute in Chicago.

Ed Fitzpatrick broke the news in the Providence Journal this morning, writing:

“This is a big loss for Little Rhody. Since 2001, Gross has been helping to salvage lives and make our city streets safer, using a group of street workers (including former gang members) who mediate disputes and try to steer teenagers away from gangs. Institute staff members bring the message of nonviolence to street corners, classrooms and prison cells. They work with victims, rushing to emergency rooms, helping families deal with shattered lives. And they help people find the jobs and training they need to turn their lives around.”

Robert McConnell, chairman of the board of directors at the Institute, said in a statement:

“The great news is that the model we developed here is going to be put to work in Chicago. While we will certainly miss Teny’s role in our day-to-day operations, he will continue to serve on the board and we will have an opportunity to collaborate with him as there is still plenty of work to do here in Rhode Island.”

And here’s a sampling of how Twitter reacted to the news (You can send Teny a tweet here):

This is a tremendous loss for Providence community. An important voice in our work to bring positive change to RI https://t.co/eCzKnJTVFu

— Alex Lucini (@AlexLucini) October 1, 2015

Huge loss though sure to help troubled Chicago. https://t.co/ewS0qk6KKd

— David Dadekian (@dadekian) October 1, 2015

Bummer, sad to see an important member of Providence's community go. Good luck @tenygross ! https://t.co/RxTyiummTd

— The Wilbury Theatre Group (@TheWilburyGroup) October 1, 2015

We will miss Teny enormously. The work must go on….& best of luck Teny! @tenygross https://t.co/TNihqU2dlz

— Barbara Fields (@barbarafields_) October 1, 2015

Our loss is Chicago's gain. Good luck @tenygross. https://t.co/sUy5DTrqqR

— 🧨Chas Walker💥 (@chasbwalker) October 1, 2015

Godspeed @tenygross. #thankyou

— Stephanie DeSilva Mandeville (@Steph_DeSilva) October 1, 2015

So happy for my friend @tenygross on an exciting new gig in Chicago. Sad to see RI lose another inspiring change agent.

— Saul Kaplan (@skap5) October 1, 2015

He will be missed! @FitzProv: @tenygross leaving R.I. to launch Chicago nonviolence initiative https://t.co/rZ0aRTWzwY

— Judge McConnell (@JackMcCJr) October 1, 2015