FORT WORTH, Texas (December 12, 2024) — In its ongoing mission to reduce gun violence in Tarrant County, United Way of Tarrant County’s One Second Collaborative (OSC) distributed $90,000 in microgrants to 12 local organizations focused on creating safer communities in Fort Worth, Arlington and Crowley.
The funds, supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants administered by Tarrant County and the City of Fort Worth, enabled the organizations to provide critical services such as community outreach, mental health counseling, youth engagement and violence prevention initiatives.
“Each grant is a targeted investment to empower organizations addressing the specific and immediate challenges of youth gun violence,” said Regina R. Williams, LMSW, UWTC’s chief impact officer and interim CEO. “These funds are not just about financial support. They are investments in hope, healing and the boundless potential of our youth.”
The grantees have used these funds for initiatives such as hosting educational workshops, engaging youth through targeted programs, and providing re-entry and mental health support. The Community Healing and Mental Health Project Inc. (CHAMP) organized a gun violence awareness event to connect residents with critical mental health resources, prevention strategies and community support, in addition to providing individual counseling for youth impacted by or at risk of gun violence.
“With this funding, we were able to provide 15 individuals with customized counseling sessions, equipping them with essential emotional resilience tools and tailored support to meet their unique needs,” said Lachelle Goodrich, executive director of CHAMP. “By addressing immediate mental health needs and fostering growth and healing, we are working to decrease gun violence and instill hope within the community, driving meaningful and lasting change."
NEX Metropolitan used the funds to implement gun violence awareness and prevention sessions for high school-aged youth impacted by or at risk of gun violence. Additionally, they hosted a community town hall to raise awareness and foster dialogue about gun violence prevention.
“Through this vital support, we have been able to provide critical guidance and resources to young individuals, empowering them to make positive choices and build brighter futures,” said Robert Walsh, executive director of NEX Metropolitan. “Moreover, the collaborative nature of this initiative has allowed us to forge meaningful partnerships with like-minded organizations, strengthening our collective impact.”
Launched in December 2022, the OSC is an evidence-based approach to addressing youth violence through the unification and coordination of numerous community-based organizations that deliver outreach, education, workforce training, internships, referrals for basic needs and other supports to everyday challenges young people and their families are experiencing. UWTC, the Fort Worth Police Department, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and countless community stakeholders have come together to make up this Collaborative.
In addition to investing in organizations working to reduce gun violence, the OSC steering committee is establishing work groups focused on multi-sector mental health, communication, tools and resources, outreach in real time, parent/caregiver education and mentor recruitment. The OSC also has a youth advisory board that brings youth perspectives and solutions to the program.
Recipients of the 2024 microgrants include:
| ORGANIZATION | PROJECT NAME | MICROGRANT AWARD |
| Community Frontline | Building Community Resilience | $8,000 |
| Community Healing and Mental Health Project, Inc. (CHAMP) | Empowering Minds: Community-Centric Approaches to Mental Health and Violence Prevention Education | $10,000 |
| Crowley ISD | Y.E.S. to P.E.A.C.E. Weekend | $10,000 |
| Empower EQ | From Conflict to Clarity: The Emotional Intelligence Solution | $7,000 |
| Jewel's Comfort Keeper Inc. | Purposing The Pain | $8,500 |
| Just A Queen with Goals Empowering Women | Youth Violence Awareness | $7,000 |
| N2C Youth and Community Services | Stop the Violence Young Men's Symposium | $8,000 |
| NEX Metropolitan | Backpack, Hoodie, and Sneakers: Bridging the Gap to Combat Youth Gun Violence | $5,500 |
| Opening Doors for Women in Need | Change A Life! Nehemiah Project | $8,000 |
| T.F.T. Organization | Young World Changers | $8,000 |
| The Glory Impact Center | Born to Win V.I.P. Club | $2,000 |
| Legacy Lake Como | Youth Empowerment and Violence Prevention Program | $8,000 |
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About United Way of Tarrant County
United Way of Tarrant County brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. As a nonprofit leader, we help communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, financial stability and health resources, and respond in times of crisis. We help nearly 400,000 people every year through our resources. In 2022, we celebrated our 100th anniversary and launched our GET UNITED campaign to drive community impact for another century in Tarrant County.
Contact:
Deanna W. Titzler
United Way of Tarrant County
Deanna.Titzler@unitedwaytarrant.org
817-258-8025