South LA Interventionists Unite for Violence Prevention During Gun Violence Awareness Month
In a significant boost to local violence prevention efforts, multiple South Los Angeles nonprofits were recently awarded $5.1 million in grants by the Trauma Prevention Partnerships Initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention and the California Community Foundation. A renewed focus on these grants comes at a crucial time as the community observes Gun Violence Awareness Month in June, underscoring a shared commitment to reducing gun violence and promoting healing.
“By funding these vital programs, we are investing in the health and safety of our communities,” said Dr. Adrienne Hill, Program Officer at California Community Foundation. “These nonprofits are at the forefront of trauma prevention, and we are proud to support their efforts.”
The recipient nonprofits—2nd Call, A Place Called Home, Bryant Temple AME Community Development Corp., Centinela Youth Services, Chapter Two Inc., Drew Child Development Corp., EmpowHer Institute, Inner City Visions, On My Grind Reentry Services, Southern California Crossroads, Urban Community Action Network and West Athens Westmont Community Taskforce—have been recognized for their innovative approaches to trauma prevention and their dedication to fostering safer environments. The funding will enable these organizations to expand their violence prevention programs, provide critical support services, and enhance community outreach.
Grant Recipients and Their Initiatives:
- 2nd Call
- A Place Called Home
- Bryant Temple AME Community Development Corp
- Centinela Youth Services
- Chapter Two Inc.
- Drew Child Development Corp.
- EmpowHer Institute
- Inner City Visions
- On My Grind Reentry Services
- Southern California Crossroads
- Urban Community Action Network
- West Athens Westmont Community Taskforce
“This grant from the California Community Foundation has truly helped us support our girls more intensively and continue the services we’re doing in the schools and at our Saturday workshops,” said Dawn Brown, Founder of EmpowHer Institute. “It also allows us to meet all of these emergencies our young girls face, such as losing a parent to gun violence.”
At a June 14th convening of the Trauma Prevention Initiative, grantees heard from featured speakers in community safety and violence prevention and attended breakout sessions for further learning in their work to create safer communities.
The Trauma Prevention Partnerships Initiative is a partnership between the Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention and the California Community Foundation. Through this initiative $25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have been invested in a cohort of community-based organizations across Los Angeles County dedicated to violence prevention.
Violence in Los Angeles County has increased significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, devastating communities of color that have already been disproportionately impacted by ongoing violence.
From street outreach and hospital violence interventions to emerging best practices in youth development, trauma-informed care, crisis response, and school safety, this Initiative is committed to addressing the drivers of violence and trauma at their roots.
Upcoming Events During Gun Violence Awareness Month:
- July 8 & 9: Southern California Crossroads Student Safety Conference
These events are designed to raise awareness, educate the community, and provide resources and support to those impacted by gun violence. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in the dialogue and activities aimed at preventing violence and promoting healing.
About California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation (CCF) has served as a public, charitable organization for Los Angeles County since 1915. Its mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF stewards $2.3 billion in assets and manages 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies. For more
