Akron’s battle against youth violence is taking a strategic turn through the investment in sports and wellness programs, with Mayor Shammas Malik spearheading the initiative by doling out grants to local organizations. According to the City of Akron, an official announcement made yesterday, 49 youth-focused entities will be receiving monetary support as part of a $100,000 grant program, which is carved into categories aiming to cover different aspects of young folks’ needs, ranging from after-school programs to Violence Intervention & Prevention Programs.
Each of the four delineated sectors saw organizations scooping up dollars in descending amounts. As per the breakdown, while one group in each category scored a $5,000 grant, others pocketed a lesser sum, either $2,000 or $1,500, a move intended to interlace the city’s youth in a mesh of constructive activity. The official announcement made by the City of Akron underscored that this financial push should swell the ranks of youngsters engaging in everything from sports to mentorships—critical components in the wider war against youth violence. Steeped in the collective experience of these organizations, this funding is supposed to boost their grounded efforts, too.
This inaugural program garnered considerable interest from the start, with 71 applications arriving from various nonprofits eager to make a positive impact in the Akron youth landscape. Requirements for applicants were straightforward – to be a 501c3 serving Akron youth, a criterion met with enthusiasm, indicating a city brimming with caretakers for its next generation. The grant winners will be tasked with utilizing the funds to alleviate costs stemming from program fees, mental health services, coaching certifications, and necessary supplies, provided the staffing expenses remain untouched by these funds…