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Chattanooga Launches CURV Initiative to Combat Gun Violence

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Community gathering for the CURV initiative in Chattanooga addressing gun violence.

News Summary

Chattanooga is taking a decisive step against gun violence with the launch of the CURV initiative, aided by a $1,999,187 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The initiative, which stands for Chattanooga United to Reduce Violence, will focus on community safety through evidence-based strategies, expanded youth activities, and grassroots violence interruption efforts. With collaboration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, CURV aims to make neighborhoods safer and reduce crime over the next three years.

Chattanooga Takes a Stand Against Gun Violence with New CURV Initiative

Hey there, Chattanooga! The city is stepping up its game with an exciting new initiative aimed at tackling gun violence head-on. With a whopping grant of $1,999,187 from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, the city, alongside the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), is launching the CURV initiative. CURV stands for Chattanooga United to Reduce Violence, and it promises to bring some much-needed change to our community.

A Collaborative Approach to Safe Communities

Under this initiative, the City of Chattanooga’s Office of Community Safety and Gun Violence Prevention will be at the helm, directing these funds towards reducing gun violence in neighborhoods that are grappling with high crime rates. The goal is pretty straightforward: to create safer spaces for all residents through evidence-based and community-focused strategies.

Behind the scenes, some dedicated folks are working tirelessly to make this initiative a success. Notably, Christopher Sands and Deborah Maddox have played crucial roles in securing the funding. They are joined by Rick Dierenfeldt, a UTC Foundation Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, who is all set to collaborate on research assessing the effectiveness of CURV’s strategies.

Measuring Success: Research Plays a Vital Role

This initiative isn’t just about putting money into programs; it’s about seeing what works and what doesn’t. The grant will span over three years, during which UTC researchers will assess CURV’s impact through data-driven evaluations. This research will encompass a diverse team of faculty members, graduate students, and even a post-doctoral scholar, all committed to the mission of reducing violence.

More Activities, More Support

One of the exciting aspects of CURV is its commitment to young people. The initiative plans to expand structured after-school activities, giving youth a constructive outlet and a safe environment. Additionally, it will provide trauma-informed mental health services, which are essential for families grappling with the aftermath of violence.

Community engagement is also a big focus. CURV will introduce violence interrupters—trained community members who step in to de-escalate potentially violent situations. This grassroots effort aims to prevent crime before it happens, creating a culture of peace and understanding.

Community Involvement: The Heart of CURV

In neighborhoods where violence seems to have rooted itself the deepest, CURV aims to address the underlying causes. Dierenfeldt points out that certain areas experience violence that often targets young people who lack access to supervised activities. The initiative is set to engage community members through programs like the 423 Chain Breakers, which puts locals in the driver’s seat to actively prevent violence in their neighborhoods. Participants express their commitment to using “the weapon of love” instead of firearms, embodying the spirit of community cooperation.

Positive Trends in Crime Reduction

There are already signs of progress. In the Avondale/Bushtown area, crime has reportedly dropped by 12% over the past two years. This trend inspires hope that the CURV initiative can build on its success. To keep the momentum going, a resource fair is set for March 15th at the Avondale Community Center, aimed at supporting families in neighborhoods that often feel neglected.

Exciting Programs Coming Soon

But that’s not all! The Downtown Chattanooga Public Library is gearing up for its very own Nightfall program starting on July 26, 2024. This initiative promises various activities designed especially for youth, with the library remaining open late to provide a safe space for engagement and connection.

With CURV set to roll out, Chattanooga is taking a positive step toward not only reducing gun violence but also building a strong, interconnected community. Here’s to a brighter, safer future for all of us!

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