A Palm Springs non-profit has received a state grant that it will use to help stop youth violence in the city.
The $2.1 million from the California Board State and Community Correction’s Violence Intervention program will be distributed to We Are One United during the next three years, according to a statement on the city’s website.
“This is an incredible win for all of Palm Springs,” said Mayor Pro tem Grace Garner in the statement. “Supporting our young people in workforce development and violence prevention helps create a community that can thrive now and [thrive] for future generations.”
Garner represents district one, the northern part of the city where gangs and youth violence have long been a problem.
We Are One United promotes community well-being through various programs, including jobs training and job development.
“This grant will really give our organization the opportunity to help build the social and economic infrastructure of District 1 and the surrounding area communities,” said John Epps, founder of We Are One United, in the statement.