Metro Lex News

Sixteen grassroots organizations active in violence prevention are receiving grants from One Lexington, Mayor Linda Gorton announced today.

“Nonprofit organizations have been active in our community for many years, working to stop violence among our young people,” Gorton said. “While these organizations take different approaches to reaching our youth, the message is the same: be safe, make good choices, and enjoy a bright future ahead.”

One Lexington Director Devine Carama stated, “One Lexington’s goal to address youth and young adult gun violence relies on our partnership with many grassroot nonprofit organizations. Over the last two years, our violence prevention grants have supported programs focused on sports, transitioning into adulthood, mentoring, conflict resolution, trauma support, art therapy, re-entry, and much more. This program allows us to put resources directly into the hands of those on the frontlines doing the work.”

This marks the third year for the grant program. The City estimates that approximately 1,200 young people were served by programming funded by last year’s grants.

Organizations submitted applications for funding through Community Action Council, which vetted each proposal and recommended organizations for funding. There were initially 42 applications.

One Lexington Crisis Response Coordinator Kenneth Payne remarked, “A community’s ability to affect its people holistically must be found in its efforts to meet the variety of needs in the community. These grant recipients share a common purpose but have a diverse skillset in doing so.”

Founder and Executive Director of Operation Making a Change Geo Gibson commented, “Operation Making a Change is very grateful to receive the necessary funds from One Lexington to further our initiatives to combat and educate against the violence that we see firsthand in our communities. The kids in our program face many real-life challenges and situations throughout their lives daily, ranging from hunger, substance abuse, gun violence, and more. With this funding we are able to address these problems by providing the necessary life skills and tools that will stay with them for a lifetime.”

The 16 organizations represent various approaches to helping young people.