READY4LIFE COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION PROJECT FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

The Reclamation and Restoration Ministries, Inc. (RRM) as a “Direct” applicant will implement its Ready4Life Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Project in Baton Rouge Police District #4 that includes Scotlandville, Southern Heights, and  Brookstown. One of the unique characteristics of the Brookstown neighborhood revealed by analysis is that the per capita income of residents is lower than that found in 97.7% of the neighborhoods in America. Also of note, 81.3% of the children in this area live in poverty and crime rates are higher than the national average. The Project goal is to prevent and reduce violent crime in Baton Rouge, LA by supporting comprehensive evidenced-based crime and violence prevention programs. Project objectives are (1) to build the RRM Working Group called P.E.A.C.E (Planning, Evaluation and Advisory Coalition Entity);  (2) to develop and implement a workable strategic plan through a collaborative, data-collection, multimethod, and analysis approach to understand the nature, patterns, and root causes of community violence in the target area; and (3) to equip project African American youth and young adults with education and vocational training credentials, life skills, and place in employment. Project organizational partners include the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, Baton Rouge Community College, Pelican Associated Builders and Contractors, Living Faith Christian Center,  Red River Bank, and Ochsner Health. Project activities include monthly Ready4Life Community Strategy Forums; HiSET/Instruction; Summer Employment; Vocational Skills Training;  HealthCare Industry Informational Training and Job Shadowing; Financial Literacy Instruction; Mentor Training Workshops; One-on-One and Group Mentoring; and an Annual Volunteer Recognition and Awards GALA. Project support services will include Case Management and Follow-up Services; Transportation; Nutritious Meals; Recreation; and Cultural Enrichment Outings. Project outcomes will be measured when a Violence Intervention and Prevention Strategic Plan has been developed and  implemented; 75% of project participants in the HiSET classes will have passed and shown 75% Literacy and Numeracy gains and received a credential; 75% will complete the Vocational Training and receive a Credential; 75% will be placed in employment, 75% will remain in the work force for at least six months, 75% will complete the Financial Literacy Instruction and receive a Certificate; 95% will not participate in acts of violence; 95% of supervised justice-involved participants will not recidivate, and incidents of crime and gun violence will be reduced by 50% in target area.