For Immediate Release: April 19, 2024
Media Contact:
Ben Truman │Department of Health
802-316-2117 │ 802-863-7280
Local Grants Awarded to Support Community Violence Prevention
WATERBURY, VT – The Vermont Department of Health, in partnership with the Governor's Office, Department of Public Safety, Office of Racial Equity, and Council for Equitable Youth Justice, has awarded grants totaling $4.75 million to 12 organizations in nine counties to support violence prevention in their communities.
The grants are offered through the Community Violence Prevention Program, created last year by the Legislature as part of Act 23. The awards are designed to fund programs that address the causes of youth and community violence and increase community capacity to implement programs and policies that address topics such as illegal drug activity, human trafficking, gangs, gender-based violence, guns and gun safety, bullying, hazing, and harassment.
“Violence prevention is a critical public safety priority,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “But an effective, comprehensive approach means we must also address this through a public health lens. Violence can have a profound and long-term impact on the emotional and physical health of our children and families, as well as the social fabric of our communities. These local partnerships can make a huge difference,” Dr. Levine said.
The prevention projects supported through these state grants include enhancing parent education programs, implementing restorative justice practices and policies in rural schools, providing third spaces for youth, increasing access to domestic violence accountability programs, expanding substance use recovery services, and increasing programs that promote a safe and supportive community environment for individuals who are LGBTQIA+, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).
Community Violence Prevention Grant Awardees:
- Dad Guild — Burlington
- Health Care & Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern Vermont — Brattleboro
- Ishtar Collective with Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs — Barre
- Jenna's Promise — Johnson
- Lamoille Restorative Center — Hyde Park
- Northeast Kingdom Community Action — Newport and St. Johnsbury
- Rutland County Restorative Justice Center — Rutland City
- The Root Social Justice Center — Brattleboro
- Spectrum Youth and Family Services — St. Albans
- Turning Point Center of Bennington — Bennington
- Umbrella — St. Johnsbury
- Winooski Parents & Students Project with Peace and Justice Center — Winooski
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