A program to target gang violence in south Omaha is the recipient of a South Omaha Historical Grant for 2010.
“Every Shot is Through the Heart” is one of the community programs established by the South Omaha Community Care Council (SOCCC). The SOCCC is one of the outreach arms of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities in UNMC’s College of Public Health.
The South Omaha Historical Grant Committee received 33 applications and 19 agencies received funding ranging from $2,150 to $20,000.
The SOCCC program received the largest grant of $20,000. It will help the program continue its work with parents, families and schools to reduce youth violence.
The program takes a preventative approach. Staff works with teens that may be inclined to join gangs and provides alternative, educational activities and mentoring to encourage them to focus on their future.