FORT WORTH, Texas (January 17, 2024) — In support of its efforts to reduce gun violence in Tarrant County, United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) has named Quaniqua Carthan as program director of the One Second Collaborative (OSC). Carthan and the OSC team will lead its inaugural Tarrant County Youth Gun Violence Prevention Workgroup Summit February 2-3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Omni Fort Worth,1300 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
This summit serves as a platform for community members to actively participate in identifying goals and actions necessary to enhance positive life outcomes and disrupt the cycle of youth gun violence. The focus areas outlined by the One Second Collaborative Steering Committee include:
- Accessibility of mental health services for those at risk of youth gun violence and their families.
- Communication and raising awareness of the effects of youth violence, its trends, impacts and exploring solutions.
- Identifying youth violence risk factors early and distributing tools and resources to prevent violence.
- Community-based, proactive approaches to responding to imminent violence and connecting those at-risk to resources that address their immediate needs.
- Strengthening opportunities for families at risk of youth violence, increasing awareness and providing access to resources.
- Connecting youth at risk of violence to a network of trained, trusted mentors.
To attend the summit, please register here by January 30.
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 support 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. Financial support for the initiative and grants comes from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by Tarrant County and the City of Fort Worth.
About Quaniqua Carthan
As OSC Director, Carthan leads the facilitation of the program and coordinates related training and education. She works with various stakeholders to create impactful partnerships committed to reducing youth violence. Carthan joined UWTC as interim program director for OSC in September 2023. Prior to this role, Carthan served as deputy director for Cities United.
"Carthan brings years of dedicated experience and passion for making communities safer that we need in Tarrant County, and we're thrilled to have her on our team," said Regina R. Williams, executive vice president and chief impact officer of United Way of Tarrant County. "With Carthan at the helm, we look forward to making a lasting difference in addressing youth gun violence and fostering positive change for the communities we serve."
Carthan’s past experience includes strategic community action planning and implementation, comprehensive public safety systems design and youth-adult partnership building. She has coached and trained over 200 individuals in violence prevention through a public health lens and supported the development of public safety strategic action plans in Louisville, KY; Houston, TX; Brooklyn Park, MN; and King County, WA. Additionally, Carthan has managed two youth leadership programs and co-authored a public safety resource guide for municipalities.
"The One Second Collaborative is positioned to greatly influence how unlikely partners work together to address one of the most pressing issues of my time, youth gun violence," said Carthan. "I am excited to work with the United Way of Tarrant County as a bridge that connects culturally relevant, evidence-based solutions with innovative, promising, community-led practices that address the needs of youth and families directly impacted by gun violence."
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 325,000 people every year through our resources.
Contact
Sabine Jacobson
United Way of Tarrant County
817-258-8009