COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther on Tuesday announced $20.1 million in city funding for summer programming for children and teenagers.
The programs are focused on violence prevention, training and employment opportunities and academic enrichment. They are designed to help keep young people from being involved in crimes, keep them engaged and learn and build upon new skills.
“The pandemic is finally behind us, but its fallout continues to impact society – particularly our young people, who were disproportionately affected,” said Ginther. “We have a special obligation to continue making restorative investments in their health and well-being to ensure they have the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to succeed, both now and in the future.”
Of the $20.1 million in funding, $8.9 million will go to more than 90 community organizations that submitted requests for funding in April. You can find the list of organizations receiving funds here.
One of those organizations includes the nonprofit Always With Us, which was created by former Ohio State basketball player George Reese.
“Lowering the violence rate by keeping them occupied and being able to do that in my hometown, in the east side and at my alma mater, Independence High school, definitely means a lot,” Reese said.
Ginther said parents need to do their part by knowing where their kids are at all times, locking up guns and sticking with curfews. He added, through these programs, the city will do its part to curb youth violence.
Reese argues it is all about grassroots and getting kids to trust you. His program will serve about 125 kids from ages 6-12.
“Best part for me is just being able to do it in my own city, 43232. Seeing these kids at those ages, it reminds you of yourself. Being able to break these cycles and turn them right way is a win-win for me,” Reese said.
Ordinances authorizing the $8.9 million in city funding will be considered by Columbus City Council at the May 22 meeting.
The city says these investments will join an additional $11.2 million that has already been approved for a number of city-sponsored summer programs, including the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy, ReRoute, summer internships and ongoing partnerships with several community organizations.
“We are proud to invest in our community partners that are so vital to the success of our kids and teens,” said Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin. “This funding will give Columbus kids a wide range of opportunities to learn, grow, and work in their neighborhoods.”
On Monday, the Columbus City Council voted to give $500,000 to two organizations in hopes of curbing violence in the Short North Arts District.
The money from the vote will go to the Short North Alliance and Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District to use toward safety and security in the area.
The groups received the same funding last year and used it toward safety initiatives and special duty officers to patrol the area.
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