One way to stop violence — prevent it.
Violence does not have a single cause. Nor one solution. It is a blight on our neighborhoods. Damages our schools. And destroys families. It creates fear, hampers our children’s academic success, and drives people from their homes.
- Last year 53 people lost their lives to violence in our community. The homicide rate among adolescents in Monroe County is 38% higher than the national average.
- 6700 kids were reported neglected or abused in Monroe County.
- Thousands more are victims of domestic violence, forced to flee their homes, often requiring emergency shelter.
A multidimensional problem requires that we respond the United Way.
Prevention:
Kids are most likely to get in trouble between the hours of 3-9 p.m., once school gets out…when, parents are working. We fund programs that give kids solutions and a place to go after school where they can study, do their homework, and meet up with mentors. This year, your support will give 22,000 students an alternative to the streets.
Intervention:
Neighborhoods with abandoned buildings can have a higher rate of violence. The United Way supports programs that help stabilize neighborhoods. In fact, United Way helped more than 500 families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes last year. Another form of violence is domestic abuse, which is also a predictor of homicide. When women and children flee their homes, your support gives them a safe place to rebuild their lives.
Evaluation:
We measure each program’s effectiveness in advancing our community’s agenda for positive change—and, we’re always looking ahead to find the best kinds of evidence-based programs to support. Our goal is to fund what works.
Now is the time to act.
Together, we can prevent violence. Click here to make a difference.