Innovation Fund Grantees

Each student designed a cap­stone project relat­ed to the devel­op­ment of a gun vio­lence reduc­tion pro­gram or inno­va­tion. Each project was cre­at­ed with feed­back from a team of advi­sors, and stu­dents defend­ed their work before a pan­el to com­plete the program.

An ​“inno­va­tion fund” cre­at­ed by the Uni­ver­si­ty of Chica­go and the Annie E. Casey Foun­da­tion grant­ed 10 excep­tion­al projects seed fund­ing for addi­tion­al con­sul­ta­tion, imple­men­ta­tion or evaluation:

• Danny Allen – New Orleans, LA: Relocation Assistance for Shooting Survivors seeks to connect and activate an inter-city CVI network where violence interruption programs exchange participants across cities within the network to help shooting survivors relocate to mediate the immediate threat to their life but also to connect them to services and supports that enable a person to thrive.
• Shadee Dukes – Newark, NJ: Youth Car Theft Prevention aims to tackle the recent rise in motor vehicle thefts among Newark’s youth by introducing programs that channel thrill-seeking behavior into positive outlets. The intervention will initially engage young people through go-kart racing, followed by individualized holistic support to provide healthier alternatives and reduce instances of carjacking.
• Nekenya Hardy – Chicago, IL: Reducing Recidivism through Workforce Development addresses recidivism and violence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood by offering young Black men CDL certification, job readiness training, and entrepreneurship support, helping them secure stable careers and reduce reliance on street activity.
• Rev. Philip “Phil” Jackson – Chicago, IL: Urban Sankofa Rite of Passage Journey aims to reduce youth violence by dismantling and reversing the mindsets shaped by systemic violence through an 8–9-month program that includes weekly mentoring sessions, therapy through psycho-drama, understanding maturity milestones, community service, and self-exploration through the lens of both U.S. and African history, culminating in a 30-day journey to Ghana, West Africa.
• Justin Napper – Brooklyn, NY: Culturally Relevant Mental Health Supports for Black Men aims to tackle mental health challenges in Brooklyn, NY by addressing key gaps in existing services. While several organizations are working on this issue, there is a lack of culturally relevant care, outreach to those most in need, and access for the uninsured. This initiative will create culturally sensitive, stigma-reducing communications and language to promote the adoption of a holistic approach to mental health among Black men.
• Ben “Taco” Owens – Los Angeles, CA: Beautification to Belonging will leverage CVI professionals to facilitate neighborhood beautification and revitalization efforts. The result of such efforts would include increased neighborhood pride and cohesion and changed perceptions of CVI professionals.
• Johnny Page – Chicago, IL: CVI Frontline Worker Wellbeing aims to address the lack of healing-centered training and support for frontline staff in CVI organizations, who are often exposed to high levels of trauma. By implementing a trauma-informed training program, the project seeks to enhance staff resilience, improve care quality, and promote organizational stability.
• Nikesha Tilton – Selma, Alabama: Alabama PeaceLINK proposes building a statewide data infrastructure to address the lack of standardization in data collection and reporting, the lack of centralized data management, and the limited access to real-time public safety data across the state.
• Fredrick “Gino” Womack – Jackson, MS: Strengthening Families Through LifeSkills Training addresses the rise in violent crime among youth in Jackson, Mississippi, by focusing on supporting single parents, particularly mothers, who face systemic oppression. By providing mediation, mentorship, and life skill training for both parents and children, the initiative aims to create accountability and foster long-term stability. The goal is to reduce violence and alleviate poverty through tailored job fairs, financial literacy, and individualized support.
• Tony Woods – Chicago, IL: Integrated Wellness Programs for CVI Staff aims to develop an integrated staff wellness program that emphasizes the importance of incorporating evidence-based medical, therapeutic, and nutritional practices to support the well-being of CVI staff. By fostering a culture of brain health and holistic wellness, the program aims to enhance staff resilience, improving their effectiveness and contributing to broader community healing and safety. This comprehensive approach ensures that CVI staff are not just coping, but thriving, which ultimately benefits the communities they serve.

Professional development support was also awarded to:

• Tracie Campbell – Charlotte, NC: Mental Health Needs for Youth Exposed to Violence, piloted by Mecklenburg County’s Public Health Department, proposes to address the mental health needs of youth exposed to violence. The project provides trauma-informed support to children and school personnel, helping to mitigate the negative effects of violence and improve overall well-being.
• Tierra Lemon – Lake County, IL: Holistic Supports for Frontline Workers addresses the lack of awareness and access to holistic healing support for frontline CVI professionals. By focusing on reducing stigma, improving organizational support, and increasing access to mental health and wellness resources, the project aims to enhance the well-being of frontline staff, enabling them to better serve their communities.