Columbus Urban League Gets Cash to Fight Gang Violence

COLUMBUS, OH – In an effort to stop violence in the city, the Columbus City Council approved a measure that will give funding to four different non-profits.

Including on that list is the Columbus Urban League (Columbus, OH), and their anti-gang initiative, the Neighborhood Violence Intervention program.

The program is meant for young adult, 12 through 24, and seeks to help them stay away from gangs and street violence. Over the past 12 months, the program has helped 40 people find employment, assisted with 19 peace agreements and quelled over 80 violent situations. With the City Council’s funding, the Urban League said that they will now be able to expand their outreach.

According to Columbus Urban League President Stephanie Hightower, “In the past, we’ve been confined to certain segments of the city, but now with this new legislation underway that’s being crafted under the new Director of Public Safety, it’ll give us our folks the ability to work throughout all of Columbus.”

Completing the list for funding are the Community of New Direction, Community Crime Patrol Inc., and Community Refugee and Immigrant Services.

To get more information, please see the original article here.