The City of Bloomington is giving funding for “Violence Reduction”

Bloomington, Indiana – The city of Bloomington is implementing a special grant program in an effort to lower violent crime.

Speaking about gun trends in Indiana as a whole, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson expressed worry.

Although there has been some gun crime in Thomson’s city, she said the patterns around the state are concerning.

It’s concerning that more and more residents are walking around with guns, according to Thomson. “It puts us all in danger when we have young people with guns who may not have fully developed their problem-solving abilities.”

Thomson expressed her optimism that the city’s “Violence Reduction Grants” will enable them to proactively address this issue. This year, the city is providing $150,000 in grant funds, which is $25,000 more than the previous year.

Thomson stated, “The goal of these is actually to work uphill before violence ever happens.”

According to her, the city primarily targets youth-mentoring organizations. Last year, funding was provided to organizations like Middle Way House, which mostly assists victims of domestic abuse.

According to the charity, the funding was helpful for one of its school-based initiatives that teaches kids how to avoid violence and form good relationships.

Carrie Stillions, executive director of Middle Way House, defined it as “talking about what it’s like to have a healthy relationship, and that’s not just with a dating partner, but adults in your life.” “How do we move through these relationships in a safe and healthy manner?”

According to Mayor Thomson, she is hoping that the funds would support community-based organizations in their efforts to make the community safer for everyone.

“Innovation in violence reduction can be greatly encouraged by this program,” the speaker stated.

Applications for such grants must be submitted by August 30 at 5 p.m. The city declared that grant awardees will be revealed by September 15 at the latest.