Congressman Morgan McGarvey Announces $1 Million Grant to Address Youth Violence in Louisville
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 28, 2023) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) announced YouthBuild Louisville has received a $1 million grant from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to enhance schools’ capacity to address youth violence. The grant will allow YouthBuild Louisville to expand its services to Smoketown youth by developing a school safety plan with Meyzeek Middle School, training Smoketown residents in de-escalation and positive youth development, and recruiting community members to serve on the Smoketown Anti-Violence Coalition.
“YouthBuild Louisville is doing incredible work to keep our community safe, and this $1 million grant will increase their ability to stop youth violence,” said Rep. McGarvey. “This will allow YouthBuild Louisville to expand their services to young people in Smoketown and empower them with positive development programs, setting them up for success later in life. This federal funding will support our youth and continue efforts to keep our communities safe.”
“We are thrilled to be supported by OJJDP to work with partners, parents, young people and Meyzeek Middle School to boost attendance, academic performance and regulate behavioral responses to stress,” said Lynn Rippy, President and CEO of YouthBuild Louisville. “Our work aims to reduce young people’s exposure to violence, build coping and resiliency skills. The design is to increase student’s personal protective factors and their sense of safety and community at school. In short, young people will use their internal strength and brilliance to build their personal agency to be thriving students and active community members.”
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Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs and House Small Business Committees