Akron, Ohio, March 1, 2022 — Today, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced that the first Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grants have been awarded to 11 local organizations working to prevent violence from occurring, stop the progression of violence, and rehabilitate individuals with a history of violent behavior. “The eleven organizations that have been awarded these grants will play an integral part in our efforts to reduce youth and community violence in Akron,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “I believe it is our duty and responsibility to support organizations that are offering evidence-based programming to create a safer community, and the American Rescue Plan funding gives us the opportunity to do just that.”
Last year, Mayor Horrigan released his Five Point Framework for Community Violence Reduction in Akron. The Framework builds on the work of the Youth Violence Prevention Taskforce first convened in 2016 and focuses on the key pillars of: Prevention, Intervention & Support, Enforcement, Partnership & Advocacy, and Community Accountability.
As outlined in the Framework, the City will tackle youth and community violence with a robust, sustainable, culturally competent approach, building on the priorities established by the Youth Violence Prevention Strategic Plan. The City has set aside approximately $10 million of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, to provide grants and technical assistance to support eligible local organizations that are working in the violence prevention and intervention arena. This first round of grant funding totals $1,352,202.
First Round VIP Grant Recipients and Awards Include A Couple Of Friends Of Our Platform
Dreams Academy - $100,000
Hire personnel to expand mentoring services to young men, ages 10-15, and create a family resource center hub in Middlebury.
Fallen Fathers Foundation - $100,000
Creating an Original Gangsters Mentoring Program to deter youth violence in the community. This program will also provide internships to youth to help deter violence.
