CVI Program Data10F

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Breadcrumb: 5 ps › OVP-Ceasefire-Budget-Note---Final › Appendices › Appendix II: Success Stories and program data › CVI Program Data10F

11 CVI Program Data 11 Service data for HHP, TVIF, ICM, and SLO contracts are presented as a quarterly average per year because total quarterly data was unavailable across programs. 14

The following grantee success stories provide a sample of the positive work completed by grantees: Strengthening Families and Celebrating Culture: Latino Network (2023-2024 Gun Violence Reduction Grantee) With support from the Office of Violence Prevention’s Gun Violence Reduction Grant, the Ballet Folklorico Dance Program saw remarkable growth, including increased participation from teenage boys and consistent family involvement. The program not only builds cultural pride but also strengthens family relationships, fosters peer connections, and connects families to essential wraparound services, including rental assistance and violence prevention programs. In November 2023, the program hosted a vibrant Dia de los Muertos celebration at the East Portland Community Center, drawing over 200 attendees from diverse backgrounds. The event featured traditional food, performances by Ballet Folklorico and Aztec dancers, cultural storytelling, and arts and crafts, creating a space for cultural connection and community unity. Ballet Folklorico also opened for the Portland Trail Blazers’ Rip City Night, celebrating Hispanic Heritage. Teens shared this unforgettable experience with their parents, strengthening family bonds through quality time. These successes highlight the program's impact in fostering cultural pride, family connection, and community engagement. Strengthening Youth Through Mentorship and Engagement: Elevate Oregon (2024- 2025 Safer Portland Grantee) Elevate Oregon’s summer Basketball Camp demonstrates measurable impacts for vulnerable youth. Six months ago, “Nathaniel” (pseudonym) was exhibiting severe behavioral challenges that jeopardized his academic progress. Despite repeated attempts, his mother, “Amira,” was unresponsive to outreach. However, Teacher/Mentor Jessica Ruiz Rodriguez remained committed, eventually engaging Amira in a meaningful conversation that resulted in a plan to support Nathaniel. This included enrolling him in the summer camp made possible by funding from the Office of Violence Prevention. The camp provided Nathaniel with a structured environment to channel his energy, develop positive connections, and build confidence. Each day, he eagerly greeted Jessica, a testament to the trust and rapport they had built. Reflecting on the experience, Jessica stated, “We strengthened our relationship, and I am confident this will lead to a successful school year ahead.” This success illustrates how grants like this support programs that foster resilience, enhance family engagement, and provide critical opportunities for youth development, ensuring long-term benefits for at-risk students and their communities. Placemaking & CVI Program Data: Events 2024 2025 CPTED Security Assessments 12 Community Engagement 24 Community Building 8 Projects Completed 1 Grant Money Spent $64,617 15

Many studies link placemaking efforts with reductions in crime and violence. Safe Blocks follows data derived best practices to plan and implement community led projects in furtherance of OVP’s goal of reducing violent crime. Highlights from placemaking research include:

1. A 2002 systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effect of street lighting on crime found that, across eight American and five British studies reviewed, crimes decreased by 20 percent in experimental areas compared with control areas. (Farrington and Welsh 2002)
2. Greater canopy cover is associated with lower rates of both violence and property crime (see more here)
3. Natural experiments in Chicago demonstrated that increased greening and greater tree canopy in public housing areas were associated with significantly less violent crime and reports of aggression by residents. (Kuo and Sullivan 2001a)
4. In Philadelphia, structural repairs to homes of low-income owners in majority-Black neighborhoods were associated with a 21.9% reduction in total crime. (more here)
5. Another Philadelphia study found that efforts to transform and clean vacant lots in high- poverty neighborhoods led to a 29% reduction in violent crime.
6. Yet another Philadelphia study showed that street lighting, painted sidewalks, public transit, and parks were associated with at least 76% decreased odds of homicide. Stakeholder Feedback Summary: The following is a sample of key feedback from community and program stakeholders, providing qualitative insights into program impact. CVI programs help keep youth in the community safe by providing prosocial activities and skill-building opportunities. Safe, engaging, and educational opportunities to inspire growth and creativity. By offering hands-on experiences, such as participating in professional set work or capturing a short documentary during a Thanksgiving food giveaway, we not only keep the youth involved in productive activities but also empower them to develop valuable skills, foster a sense of responsibility, and build confidence. These efforts help steer young individuals away from potentially harmful influences while promoting positive engagement within the community. One of the program’s biggest successes has been seeing the youth take ownership of their learning and applying their skills in real-world settings, such as documenting meaningful events or contributing to professional projects. These moments not only showcase their progress but also demonstrate the impact of creating structured opportunities for them to grow. With adequate funding, we can continue to build programs that empower our youth, foster positive community relationships, and create pathways to success. Youth programs are vital to our community by providing youth with job skills training, income, education and mentorship; all of which have been proven to reduce gang violence in our community. These types of programs help keep youth safe and save lives by supporting families giving young men positive activities during the summer. CVI programs work to address root causes of community violence by offering positive role models, fostering conflict resolution skills, and offering productive outlets for teens. With a focus on leadership and skills training through summer internships, including mentorship and pathways to career development, helps to strengthen community ties and promote economic opportunities. This type of programming creates a sense of belonging and responsibility by encouraging youth to participate in local projects with organizations that benefit and support the local community. These programs also foster safer, more 16

connected communities by equipping youth with tools and supports to make better life decisions and reduce the appeal of violent behavior. 17

Parent: Appendix II: Success Stories and program data · PDF: pp. 1107-1110