In a move aimed at curbing crime rates, Fort Worth's City Council has decided to put its money where its mouth is. A cool $1.9 million will be divvied up among four nonprofits dedicated to crime prevention in the city, as reported by the City of Fort Worth. The funding stems from the Crime Control & Prevention District's Community-Based Programs Fund and was endorsed by both a selection panel and the CCPD board after rigorous evaluation.
Advocates for Community Transformation scored a $300,000 slice of the funding pie, which will propel its 'Collaborative Legal Advocacy Solution to High Crime in Fort Worth' initiative. Tackling problems that plague neighborhoods such as Como and Stop Six, ACT plans to engage with a whopping 1,869 residents over multiple council districts. They'll utilize the funds to pay for an advocate manager and staff attorneys, evident by a surge of legal eagles ready to swoop in and make a difference.
Meanwhile, Communities in Schools of Greater Tarrant County is also on the receiving end of $300,000. This organization is known for its work with at-risk students, providing crucial case management services and aid in overcoming academic barriers. Their program will fund roles like three vice presidents and a director, not to mention cover transportation and project essentials. The program will be the academic safety net for students spanning almost the full range of Fort Worth's council districts.
The Journey4Ward Counseling Program, flush with a grant of $291,600, is setting its sights on reforming the thinking of at-risk youth citywide. By directly addressing the roots of criminal behavior, they hope to transform lives. The group, by steering clear from a one-size-fits-all approach, will be using the grant to pay the salaries of a counselor and outreach coordinator while also equipping their office with necessary computers and office supplies.
Lastly, NewDay Services for Children & Families has been entrusted with $300,000 to spearhead its FOCUS+ parenting program. This initiative has its sights set firmly on supporting 500 parents involved with various child welfare services. Aimed majority at those from Western Hills and Polytechnic neighborhoods, the funding will back personnel committed to teaching these parents positive coping strategies, creating safer homes for Fort Worth's children.
According to the details, these contracts kick off today, April 1, and are slated to run through March 31, 2027. Renewals are not on the table, setting a finite timeline for these organizations to make their mark and prove the worth of their programs in the safety and well-being of Fort Worth citizens.
