$550,000 granted to violence prevention program in Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A coalition aimed at reducing violence has received grants for more than $550,000 to build an evidence-based violence prevention program. They're seeking Topeka community input later this month.

In January, the Community Inspired Violence Intervention Coalition (CIVIC) was chosen to be one of four teams to receive funding from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"The goals of this grant are to complete a comprehensive community violence needs assessment and develop a community-led violence intervention program using a public health approach using community data to drive the focus," a press release from the YWCA Northeast Kansas said.

A few months later, the teams received a grant for over $500,000 from the Department of Justice Federal Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) which will let the coalition hire new staff and implement strategies through the YMCA Northeast Kansas.

The inspiration for our coalition comes directly from the community, and our work starts there. This is also personal for me. I have felt the direct impact of community violence since the age of fifteen when I attended the first of many funerals of friends who lost their lives to gun violence. The fact that my organization was willing and able to take on this program says a lot about our commitment to the community and promoting peace, equity and justice for all” he said. “YWCA is no stranger to anti-violence work. Many people are familiar with the Center for Safety and Empowerment, and CIVIC is a natural fit alongside our other programs.” 

YWCA Director of Operations Courtland Davis

CIVIC is asking Shawnee County residents to complete a Community Violence Survey and attend one of the town halls scheduled for later this month:

• From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at the Central Park Community Center at 1534 SW Clay St.
• From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 22 at the Oakland Community Center at 801 NE Poplar St.
• From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 27 at Hillcrest Community Center at 1800 SE 21st St.

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