Kaptur Announces Nearly $1.7 Million in Federal Justice Awards to Address Youth Violence and Support Criminal Justice ReformPress Release

Toledo, OH - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09),announced two significant federal awards from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to enhance local efforts aimed at combating youth violence and improving criminal justice outcomes. Together, these DOJ awards, totaling nearly $1.7 Million, will bolster community-based initiatives to make Northwest Ohio safer, more resilient, and more equitable.

"We are on the front lines of our community's challenges, and each story - from a young student impacted by violence to an individual fighting for a second chance through rehabilitation-matters deeply," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "These federal awards are more than just dollars and cents - they are lifelines for Toledo and Lucas County. By working hand-in-hand with vital community organizations, we are building a future where our children can grow up safely and those battling addiction can rebuild their lives with dignity."

The first award, a $1 Million award from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) under the DOJ's Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence program, will focus on supporting Toledo Public Schools and local community organizations in preventing and responding to school- and community-based violence. The funding will be utilized in collaboration with Toledo Public Schools and two key community partners, Good Grief of Northwest Ohio and Sisters 4 Unity. The project will deliver trauma-informed care, violence prevention programs, and peer support for students and families impacted by violence at three Toledo high schools: Waite, Woodward, and Scott.

The second award, totaling $678,332, was awarded to the Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The funds will be used to enhance the Lucas County Treatment Court, which plays a vital role in rehabilitating individuals with substance use disorders by providing them with treatment options as an alternative to incarceration. The award will improve court operations, increase access to treatment resources, and strengthen community partnerships aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting long-term recovery.

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