Community Reinvestment Plan - Violence Prevention and Intervention
The Legislature identified violence reduction as one program area to focus Community Reinvestment funding.
Strategic Investment Area
The Legislature identified violence reduction as one program area to focus Community Reinvestment funding, specifically focusing on “community-based violence intervention and prevention services, which may include after-school programs focused on providing education and mentorship to youths.” The Community Reinvestment Plan’s comprehensive recommendations in this area include a multi-faceted approach aimed at reducing violence and promoting safe and resilient communities through four grant programs.
Grant Programs
Violence Reduction – $10 million
Since its launch, the Washington Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention (OFSVP) has distributed grant funds in communities throughout Washington, supporting local efforts to prevent and intervene in firearm violence. The Community Reinvestment funding will help OFSVP to grow the existing programs and stand up new ones to support Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities and individuals disproportionately impacted by the racial, social and economic disparities caused by the war on drugs.
Youth Sports Capacity Building – $5 million
Recognizing that coaches play a crucial role in reducing violent behavior and victimization in the community. The Youth Sports Capacity Building program provides community sports and activity teams up to $25,000 each. This program could cover compensation for coaches, training for volunteers, and removal of barriers for youth participation. This funding will train volunteer youth sports coaches in areas such as Social Emotional Learning, Positive Behavioral Supports and Interventions, Second Step, De-escalation Tactics, and Trauma-Sensitive Practices.
Barber/Beauty Shop Health Navigation – $5 million
The Barber/Beauty Shop Health Navigation program is a capacity grant program providing barbers and beauty shop operators training to deliver life coaching, violence prevention, mental health, and mentorship to customers. One goal of this program is to leverage this cultural significance of barber and beauty shops to improve the health and well-being of the community by providing access to critical resources and support.
Community Healer – $10 million
The culturally responsive Community Healer program is a grant to an organization or organizations designed to recognize that traditional Western approaches to healing may not be effective for all communities and that cultural and historical factors can play a critical role in an individual’s health and well-being. Healers will be equipped to provide services ranging from mental health support, mindset coaching, and counseling to interventions for trauma and stress management, all tailored to align with the cultural norms and values of the community they serve.
Contact
Cristi Devers
Community Reinvestment Co-Lead
Cristi.Devers@commerce.wa.gov
Sherina James
Community Reinvestment Co-Lead
Sherina.James@commerce.wa.gov
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