Peaceful Families Jersey City, a local violence intervention program, received $500,000 in federal funding to expand and provide a full 27-week program for 300 additional individuals.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Inspira Medical Centers Inc.’s Youth Violence Cessation Initiative also received $1 million.
“Violence intervention programming at the community level increases safety and improves community partnerships with law enforcement to build safer and stronger neighborhoods,” U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) said in a statement.
“These two programs in Jersey City and Cumberland County will help to end the cycle of violence and provide young people with opportunities to reach their full potential.”
Peaceful Families Jersey City’s program expansion would include additional language access in response to cases and community need, starting with Hindi/Urdu.
Unlike many similar programs, it is offered without cost to the participants and reduces barriers to participation that most underserved communities face.
The program also offers education on abusive behavior, prioritizes offender accountability, and confronts the cognitive-behavioral distortions that support an abusive person’s actions.
“Protecting New Jerseyans and interrupting cycles of violence require community-based solutions and support for vital programs and services. This funding will invest in initiatives that keep our communities safe and thriving,” added U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).
