Oner Long Beach Collaborative-Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

There are 129, 938 youth and emerging adults in Long Beach. Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) Long Beach youth under 18 live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level. (LB Health Dept. Data) Some of the lowest-income neighborhoods with larger shares of families in poverty are in West Long Beach zip code 90810. LBPD data also indicates racial disparities among suspected offenders and victims reporting violent crimes, with Black or African American and Hispanic individuals representing a disproportionately high percentage of the total. For many students living in disadvantaged communities, gang activity, including gang intimidation and gang recruitment, is a threat as soon as they walk out the door. Children and youth traveling to and from school or out in the community are often targets for gang activity, including being intimidated, physically assaulted, or robbed.

The Proposed year-round School and Park Safe Passages and Summer Safety Project will be delivered through a school and community partnership with Long Beach Unified School District and local Long Beach non-profit organizations in the West Long Beach area in zip code 90813, 90810. Key locations for delivery of services include Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School (2001 Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810), William Logan Stephens Jr. High School (Address1830 W Columbia St, Long Beach, CA 90810), Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810), and Silverado Park (1545 W 31st St, Long Beach, CA 90810). Furthermore, funding support will specifically go to provide one full time Safe Passage Block Captain to implement the six month Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Youth Safety Ambassadors training for 35 system impacted youth that includes paid summer employment opportunities at Cabrillo HS. In Addition, Centro CHA will develop a mapping of designated safety passage routes (Street markings, art murals, foot prints), education and outreach tools & equipment, uniforms (Highly reflective vests), communication methods and protocols, volunteer database development opportunities, tracking /maintenance, plan for data collection and evaluation for reporting, financial and insurance liability compliance, and other operational program costs.

Our vision of a thriving community is one where investments for low-income communities and environments are a priority, and where residents are connected, civically engaged, working, and living in sustainable homes, schools, and communities. Increased use of trained community-based safe passage workers, parent volunteers (including gang intervention or “violence interrupters”) on campus and along school routes as opposed to funding police on school campuses. Provide targeted anti-harassment, anti-bulling workshops, Stop Gun Violence messaging, and trainings for students and parents as part of Safe Routes to School education efforts. Promote youth and gang reduction and positive behaviors, cultural health and wellness youth development connections for students and parents.

On Friday, March 1st, 2024, the West Long Beach Safe Passage Team began their efforts at Stephens Middle School and Cabrillo High School by interacting and building a trusting relationship with students, parents, school staff, businesses on the Santa Fe Corridor, community members, school safety, and law enforcement (LBPD).The Safe Passage program significantly contributed to student safety through proactive engagement, relationship building, and intervention in incidents. The Safe Passage staff completes daily reports that reflect the ongoing monitoring and intervention efforts across Cabrillo High School and Stephens Middle School, and the surrounding neighborhood to enhance student safety and well-being. Between March 1st, 2024, to April 30th , 2024, the total number of interactions recorded with the West Long Beach Safe Passage Staff reached 8,109 at Cabrillo High School and Stephens Middle School.

Our Partner agencies are members of the One Long Beach Collaborative-CVIPI- a funded project by the Department of Justice, FY 2022. Our Collaborative collected data and research to inform evidence-based strategies to reduce violence through tailored community center initiatives and partnerships. Partner organizations will assist with activating safe spaces and services for the project. They have built trust, credibility, and experience integrating culturally-centered youth services such as academic support; arts; and athletics, with services that support a healthy family ecosystem that adapts to changing economic, practical, and emotional needs – all aimed at healing, strengthening, and breaking cycles of poverty, addiction, violence, and incarceration through a trauma-informed framework.