City of Omaha, NebraskaFY 2024 CVIP Application

Project Description: The purpose of this project is to expand beyond the Engaging Networks within the Community of Omaha to Maintain and Promote a Safe Society (ENCOMPASS) Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program, funded under FY 2022 CVIP, to establish and formalize partnerships with the broader service network embedded in the community. The project will increase ongoing, targeted violence intervention efforts that identify and support individuals and families at highest risk of involvement in community violence, particularly retaliatory gun violence. The City’s approach will include: [1] expansion of street outreach and whole-family response; [2] expansion of the ENCOMPASS program operated by Nebraska Medicine (University of Nebraska Medical Center, a level-1 trauma hospital); and [3] professionalization of the field through credentialing and continuing education for local community organizations engaging in community violence intervention efforts to ensure evidence-informed approaches including cultural competence, and trauma sensitivity are applied in violence prevention and intervention efforts.  

This proposal will build upon and formalize the collaborative partnerships among the City of Omaha Mayor’s Office, the African American Empowerment Network/Omaha 360, the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and The Nebraska Medical Center. Efforts will also fund the co-creation of community safety strategies led by grassroots street outreach and intervention partners; providing capacity while capitalizing on the momentum and trust built between community and systems.