We at YouthZone are excited to share some remarkable updates on our collaboration with the Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP), a unit within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CPDHE). As proponents of reducing gun violence across Colorado, our organization greatly values the forward-thinking initiatives taken by the OGVP.

The OGVP offers grant opportunities to various organizations to initiate community-driven gun violence prevention campaigns. Specifically, they aim to halt the progression of firearm-related violence, trauma, and retribution. This year, we’re happy to report that the OGVP will be providing $500,000 in funds to YouthZone, American Academy of Pediatrics – Colorado Chapter, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Eagle Valley (dba, SpeakUp, Reach Out), Joint Initiatives for Youth & Families, Denver Youth Programs (dba Metro Denver Partners), and Struggle of Love Foundation (SOLF). It is mainly dedicated to firearm suicide prevention and community-based violence intervention projects. This amount is considerably financed (90%) by the federal grant 15PBJA-23-GG-00005-BSCI, issued by the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice. The remaining 10% is generously provided by the OGVP itself.

We are incredibly proud to announce that YouthZone is one among the chosen organizations to receive a Letter of Intent to Award from the OGVP. This signifies OGVP’s trust in our Safe Pathways program, dedicated to the counties of Garfield, Pitkin, Rio Blanco.

Through the Safe Pathways program, we aim to provide a comprehensive network of support services for youth and their families affected by firearm violence. We strongly believe that they deserve a safe, respectful, and caring environment to rebuild their lives. Our primary objective is to repair any harm inflicted on victims, offenders, as well as the community, hence facilitating efficient community reintegration post a firearm-related incident.

Updates to the OGVP grant, as well as the development and success stories from our Safe Pathways program, will be shared on youthzone.com in the coming months. We remain fervently dedicated to the relentless pursuit of a society free from the grip of firearm-related violence.

We are extremely grateful to OGVP and the CPDHE for their commendable support and faith in our initiatives. Here’s looking forward to building safer communities, together.

Information about the program can be found at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/office-of-gun-violence-prevention/grant-program.