CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Passages Connecting Fathers and Families, a local nonprofit focused on supporting fatherhood, was surprised and excited to learn it will receive a major funding boost from the City of Cleveland.
The grant is part of the city’s Neighborhood Safety Fund, a $10 million initiative created in partnership with the Cleveland Foundation to support community-driven solutions to violence.
“We were startled, we are excited about the opportunities and the impact we’re going to be able to make,” said Brian Moore, president of Passages, which he started in his attic 20 years ago.
Passages plans to use the funding to expand its staff and serve more individuals in the community.
The city awarded a total of $1 million in grants during the first round of funding in November.
The same amount will be awarded in this second round, just in time for the summer months when violence typically increases.
“To ensure we’re investing in violence interrupters, to ensure we are investing in youth diversion programs,” said Mayor Justin Bibb.
Bibb emphasized the importance of the safety fund program and its success so far.
The grants prioritize Cleveland neighborhoods hit hardest by violence, with a focus on violence interruption and reduction, youth diversion, and proactive mentoring.
“This administration, this government is focused on deploying every resource we can to keep our streets safe,” Bibb said.
Learn more about the neighborhood safety fund and how to apply for future rounds of funding HERE.
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