Ironbound Community Corporation Honored to Receive Grant for Violence Intervention and Prevention Work

Newark, NJ – Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) is honored to be selected as a recipient of the Community-Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) grant, announced by Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. This vital funding, part of a $14.5 million statewide investment in community-driven violence intervention and prevention programs, will enable ICC to expand its efforts in reducing violence and promoting safety within the Ironbound community.

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Murphy, Attorney General Platkin, and the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance for recognizing the importance of community-based solutions to violence prevention,” said [Hazel Applewhite, CEO at Ironbound Community Corporation. “This grant empowers us to strengthen our outreach, provide critical support to at-risk individuals, and work collaboratively with our community to build a safer and more resilient Ironbound.”

The CBVI program, established in 2021, takes a public health approach to violence prevention, emphasizing community partnerships and evidence-based strategies to disrupt cycles of violence. With this funding, ICC will enhance its programs, which include:

• Trauma Recovery and Counseling Services: Offering individual and group therapy, grief counseling, and restorative justice initiatives to support healing and resilience.
• Youth and Community Engagement: Implementing mentorship programs, after school initiatives, and career development opportunities to provide positive alternatives for at-risk youth and young adults.
• Anti-Violence & Leadership Development: Conflict resolution workshops, resilience training, and responsible decision-making programs, complemented by youth policy councils and peer mentoring.
• Education & Digital Skills: GED preparation, ESL courses, digital literacy programs, and cyberbullying awareness initiatives.
• Mental Health & Financial Literacy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) services and financial education in partnership with Santander Bank.

Through these initiatives, ICC will continue to provide life-changing resources to those most vulnerable to violence and victimization. In 2024 alone, CBVI programs across the state responded to 365 violent incidents, facilitated over 500 violence prevention events, and engaged nearly 16,000 community members. By leveraging this new grant, ICC aims to contribute significantly to these efforts and drive measurable improvements in community safety.

“At ICC, we believe that violence prevention starts with investing in people and communities,” added Applewhite. “This grant will allow us to scale our impact and deepen our commitment to building a neighborhood where every resident feels safe and supported.”

Ironbound Community Corporation thanks the Murphy Administration and all stakeholders who continue to prioritize and invest in community-led violence prevention. As we move forward, ICC remains dedicated to fostering a safer and stronger Ironbound for all.

For more information about Ironbound Community Corporation and our violence prevention initiatives, please visit www.ironboundcc.org or contact Charles Barlow-Richardson at 973-589-3353 ext. 209.

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Founded in 1969, Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities to achieve their aspirations and work collectively toward a just, vibrant, and sustainable future. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Hazel Applewhite, ICC offers a range of services, including Family Services, Child and Youth Development Programs, Food Pantry Services, Mental Health Services, Abuse Counseling, Adult Education, and Job and Financial Counseling. All contributions to ICC are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.