Project Safe Neighborhoods:  A Comprehensive Response to Gun Violence

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reduce violent crime in America. PSN, started in 2001, is made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working in partnership with local practitioners and grassroots agencies that address violent gun and gang crime. The Center for Community Safety (CCS) serves as the training and outreach partner to the Middle District of North Carolina and delivers training and technical assistance for communities on the PSN strategy, community justice issues, gang violence, prisoner reentry, and in building community capacity to reduce crime and build stable neighborhoods. 

Weed and Seed Reentry Employment Initiative

Through funding and support from the U. S. Department of Justice Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO), The Center for Community Safety (CCS) is currently leading a technical assistance project for eight cities to improve public safety by implementing or strengthening workforce development initiatives and strategies.  This project seeks to reduce recidivism by helping ex-offenders gain employment and take ownership of their communities as productive and law abiding citizens.  The customized technical assistance will focus on coordinating programs and policies and strengthening existing labor and employment services to help ex-offenders overcome employment barriers they face upon reentry from prison.

Weed and Seed Juvenile Crime Prevention Initiative

The U.S. Department of Justice Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO) and The Center for Community Safety (CCS) invited Weed and Seed sites to apply for a 13-month technical assistance program designed to help establish and/or enhance juvenile reentry and anti-gang initiatives. Since 2009, CCS and expert consultants have been providing assistance to eight Weed and Seed to address juveniles returning to the community from secured confinement and juvenile involvement in gangs. CCS team and consultants visited each site to explore local priorities and opportunities in reentry and anti-gang efforts and is assisting each site in developing a strategic plan.