New York State continues to invest in community-based solutions to prevent and reduce gun violence. This year, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed and secured $20 million in the enacted budget to support programs and partnerships that can reach the people and places hardest hit by pandemic-era violence.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is administering this funding through a new effort – Project RISE – by bringing together community stakeholders to respond to gun violence, invest in solutions, sustain positive programming, and empower communities.

DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado welcomes you to join a stakeholder workshop facilitated by the DCJS Office of Youth Justice (OYJ) team. This workshop is not a listening session, but instead an opportunity to put “pen to paper” on what your community needs to respond in the aftermath of violence.

In each identified community, up to $2 million will be made available to assist in developing and implementing programs, partnerships, and strategies to improve safety and expand youth and family opportunities within neighborhoods.

Our program goal is to convene community-based organizations, schools, educational institutions, local governments, and public safety agencies to develop a comprehensive application for funding. As a stakeholder, we look forward to working with you and others in your community who are committed to addressing the impact of gun violence.