The City of Lexington is again accepting grants for a program Mayor Linda Gorton says helps reduce gun violence among young people. The window for applying for a total of 100-thousand dollars in One Lexington Violence Prevention grants opens Friday and closes April 5th. Community Outreach Director Larry Johnson said the program, now in its third year, is making a difference.
“We're giving young people who have been affected by violence, whether that's in the home or in the community, positive things to do we help connect them with positive mentors. And these grants are also being used to message.”
According to a news release from the mayor’s office, in 2022, there were 44 homicides, and 24 last year – and last year there were fewer than 100 shootings for the first time in five years. Again, Johnson:
“It calls the whole community into partnership with addressing the violence. That includes parents, that includes organizations that includes neighborhood associations, so it calls for all of us to partner together.”
Johnson says groups applying for the grants don’t have to have 501-C3 status, but those don’t are encouraged to partner with an agency that does.
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