JACKSONVILLE, Fla. December 11, 2020
Kids Hope Alliance (KHA) is pleased to announce it has received a $488,595 grant from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The funds will support Project INSPIRE (Identifying Needs and Supports to Partner, Intervene, Reengage, and Educate youth), the City of Jacksonville’s anti-gang program for local youth.
Project INSPIRE is a multi-agency collaboration that mobilizes faith and community organizations and partners with the State Attorney’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, social service systems, families, and youth to reduce and sustain reductions in community youth violence and victimization, including youth gun and gang violence.
Governed by a task force of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, Project INSPIRE prevents violence and promotes healing from victimization and exposure to violence through intervention and suppression strategies. These strategies target youth who are in a gang or are at-risk of joining a gang as identified by JSO’s Violence Reduction Strategy’s program “Operation Safe Passage.” INSPIRE provides an experienced Care Coordinator who will assess and prioritize the social, emotional, physical, and environmental needs. An Employment Specialist will assist with employment and a Peer Specialist will develop a supportive relationship with the youth and family. Together the team will coordinate existing resources for the youth to improve education, obtain skills for employment, obtain employment, engage in positive social activities, address family relationships and ensure their basic needs to support positive community engagement.
Prevention and intervention efforts like Project INSPIRE are critical to any holistic crime reduction strategy,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “I am grateful to the U.S. Department of Justice for their support of this program and look forward to working with our partners to guide Jacksonville’s at-hope youth away from violent gangs and toward a brighter future.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Travis Williams, Kids Hope Alliance Senior Director of Communications at 904-255-4403 or email WTravis@coj.net.