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Coalition presents Safer Schools, Stronger Neighborhoods plan, cites PCCD grant and collaborative services for youth
Summary
A coalition of local nonprofits described a grant-funded effort to reduce gun and community violence that focuses on services for youth aged 11-24 and coordination between schools, nonprofits and justice-system partners.
Representatives of the Safer Schools, Stronger Neighborhoods (3SN) Coalition presented the group's collaborative approach to reducing gun and community violence in Chester during the March 26 council meeting, describing a partnership of local nonprofits, justice-system partners and service providers supported by grant funding.
A coalition spokesperson said Casa Youth Incorporated serves as the pass-through agency for grant funds and that partner organizations include the Boys & Girls Club of Chester, Chester Community Coalition, Chester Education Foundation, Making a Change, Safe Carriers Inc., the Delaware County District Attorney's Office (Chester Safe Neighborhoods Partnership), the Delaware Public Defender's Office of Social Services, Chester Upland School District, Chester Police Chaplains, Crozer Health System and Widener University. The coalition said it received funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is operating programs directed at at-risk young people, roughly ages 11 to 24.
The coalition described services that include training, a continuum-of-care referral system and events such as an April 5 "friends and family summit" at the STEM site to connect families and youth with resources, workshops and service providers. Coalition leaders asked for continued partner support and invited additional organizations to participate.
Council members praised the cross-organization collaboration and highlighted Councilman Davis's role in bringing youth perspectives to the planning table. Council members said the city will continue to support coordination and requested that coalition leaders keep council informed of progress and funding status.
The coalition presentation did not request specific council funding at the meeting; representatives said grant funds currently support the coalition and that continuation of operations depends on grant renewal and partner contributions.
