Birmingham awards grants for youth violence prevention
City invests $200K in local groups to expand youth support, mentorship, and family services tied to RESTORE initiative
The City of Birmingham is putting new weight behind its violence prevention work, awarding $200,000 in microgrants to 14 local groups focused on youth intervention and family support.
The funding comes through the 2023 Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, a program of the U.S. Department of Justice. City leaders say the investment will expand services tied to the RESTORE program, operated by the Jefferson County Family Resource Center.
RESTORE — short for Reduce, Educate, Support, Train, Organize, Realize, Empower — targets broader issues affecting families involved in Family Court. The program focuses on youth ages 11 to 19 who are at risk or already involved in the court system.
City officials say the microgrants will strengthen “wraparound” services, including mentoring, job training, academic support, and family stabilization. Those efforts aim to reduce violence while opening doors for young people.
“This investment is intentional,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “We are prioritizing organizations that are closest to the work and closest to the individuals most impacted by violence. These groups are trusted, credible, and already making a difference in our communities. By resourcing them, we are strengthening what works and building a more coordinated, effective violence prevention ecosystem.”
Several of the selected groups are led by what the city calls “credible messengers” — people with lived experience who work alongside trained practitioners. Some also took part in a violence intervention training program at Miles College last summer, in partnership with Rise Up Bham.
The 14 grant recipients reflect a broad mix of services across the city. Programs range from mentorship and after-school tutoring to housing support, workforce training, and grief counseling for families affected by violence.
Among those selected are Anitra’s Light, Community Care Development Network, BuildUP with Tactical Community Action, Be Kind Birmingham, What About Us, Grace Klein Community, Youth Towers, Rebirth Community Corporation, Our Community Bridge, Harmony & Heritage, Crescent Cultural Community Center, Genius (GenTu), I Love Me More with Partners Uplifting our Daughters and Sons, and Inspire Justice.
City leaders say the goal is to build a stronger, more connected network of providers who can reach young people early and keep them engaged.
“We’re investing in what works; trusted organizations, credible messengers, and real relationships,” said Uche Bean, Director of Community Safety Initiatives for the City of Birmingham. “This is how we reach young people earlier, interrupt cycles of violence, and build safer communities in a way that lasts for generations."
The effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce violence by focusing on those most at risk, using methods backed by research and community experience.
More information on the RESTORE program and the city’s violence prevention work is available at the City of Birmingham’s Community Safety Initiatives page at www.birminghamal.gov/csi.
