Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize Columbus City Council to enter into a grant agreement with Elements of Change in support of the End the Violence Crisis Management initiative.
The Elements of Change (EOC) Project is a grassroots effort designed to build a safer, healthier, and thriving neighborhood on Columbus’ near eastside. By partnering with local influencers through 'End The Violence,’ EOC works through trusted gatekeepers to increase community engagement, reduce violence, and instill hope in the neighborhood.
Funding from Columbus City Council will support EOC's crisis management efforts in the neighborhood. Through this program, EOC will provide crisis management, intervention and other activities that assist youth and young adults by providing continuity and connection to supportive services, information and supplies which reduce risk of violence, as well as the spread and exposure of COVID-19 to hard-hit communities and essential frontline workers.
To help accomplish this, EOC will use federally certified “credible messengers,” who typically consist of neighborhood leaders, experienced prevention and reentry specialists, and individuals with relevant life experiences who coach, guide, mentor, facilitate and advocate for youth and young adults who have been imprisoned for, threatened, or engaged in gun-related and gang-related crime. The program will also work to link at-risk youth with job and apprenticeship opportunities. EOC will continue to utilize community stakeholders and labor organizations to support their efforts. The ordinance will fund the program through January 2021.
Columbus City Council is supporting this project with $45,468.00 in funding from the Public Safety Initiative subfund.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested in order to immediately provide EOC with the support necessary to begin the program.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation is $45,468.00 and is available wit...
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