The City of Lexington announced grants to 18 grassroots groups totaling 150-thousand-dollars for violence prevention programs. It’s part of the city’s One Lexington program. In city hall Wednesday, Mayor Linda Gorton said last year, community groups helped reduce homicides by 10 percent and the number of shooting victims between 10 and 29 years old by 68 percent.
“These community organizations dedicated to uplifting our young people take various approaches, including one on one, mentoring, education, wellness, coaching and counseling.”
The One Lexington grants are in their fourth year, with funding rising from $50,000 to $150,000. One of this year’s winners is the Alpha League, whose director is Christian Adair. They received $6,000.
“Chicago Urban Labs did a study, and for every $1 spent on mentoring programs, it saves the community about $7, so I want you to really soak that in understand why it's so important to do prevention and support mentoring programs.”
According to the city, more than 600 young people were served by programs sponsored by community groups that received grants last year.
