Memphis is putting serious resources behind its youth. Congressman Steve Cohen and Mayor Paul Young this week announced a $1 million federal investment in the city’s Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, partnering with two community organizations already doing the work: PURE Academy and Heal 901.
The funding will go toward mentorships, conflict resolution, mental health services, structured activities, and programming aimed at reducing gun violence and gang-related activity among at-risk youth.
The results are already speaking for themselves. Mayor Young pointed to a 42% reduction in crime, crediting not just law enforcement but the on-the-ground intervention work of organizations like these. “Today, we’re here to celebrate these two organizations,” Young said.
A Heal 901 leader put it plainly: “When we’re working with a child there is a need to work with the entire family.”
This is what investing in Memphis looks like!
