United Way of Central Georgia's Community Schools United strategy is proud to be the recipient of a generous MVP (Macon Violence Prevention) grant amounting to $15,000. This grant, made possible through the collaborative partnership between Macon-Bibb County and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, will provide crucial support for the implementation phase of the transformative Safe by Design Project in the Pleasant Hill and Fort Hill neighborhoods. Engaging the energetic participation of local youth and dedicated community volunteers, the project aims to enhance safety through a range of practical measures. These include tasks such as trimming hedges around windows and doors, strategically planting thorny bushes as deterrents, installing door peepholes, and painting address numbers at curbsides. Through these efforts, we aim to create safer and more secure environments for all residents, fostering a sense of peace and well-being in our communities.
Residents of the Pleasant Hill and Fort Hill neighborhoods have consistently expressed concerns about crime and safety as their top priorities. To address these concerns, United Way volunteers have conducted Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) safety audits on properties within the communities. CPTED is an urban planning approach aimed at preventing crime and alleviating fear of crime by enhancing the physical environment of neighborhoods.
The MVP grant will enable United Way's Community Schools United program to move forward with the implementation phase of the Safe by Design Project. This phase will utilize the insights and recommendations gathered during the safety audits to enhance the safety and security of the neighborhoods. The grant will support the implementation of strategies related to lighting, landscaping, signage, and access control, with the goal of creating a more secure and welcoming community for all residents.
"We are thrilled to receive this MVP grant," said Dr. Sundra Woodford, Director of Community Schools United. "With the support of this grant, our groundbreaking Safe by Design Project will empower us to collaborate closely with residents to proactively enhance safety and security in the vibrant Pleasant Hill and Fort Hill neighborhoods. This funding will enable us to implement a comprehensive range of target hardening features, effectively reducing the vulnerability to crime. As we enter this pivotal phase, we are confident that these tangible improvements will pave the way for lasting positive change within our communities."
The Community Schools United program is part of United Way of Central Georgia's commitment to supporting educational success and overall well-being in the region. By partnering with local schools, community organizations, and stakeholders, the program works to create holistic and supportive environments for students and families.
The MVP grant, established through the partnership between Macon-Bibb County and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to support local charitable organizations, including 501(c)(3) public charities and faith-based organizations, in their efforts to reduce violent crime in the community. It aligns with the County's Macon Violence Prevention Strategic Plan, seeking to support organizations in their work to reduce and ultimately prevent violent crimes. Through this grant, the Community Foundation and Macon-Bibb County will consider applications for community-led projects and services designed to reduce and/or prevent violent crime in Macon-Bibb County.
United Way of Central Georgia expresses its deepest gratitude to Macon-Bibb County and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia for their generous support through the MVP grant. The grant will play a pivotal role in advancing the Safe by Design Project and promoting a safer, more secure environment for residents of the Pleasant Hill and Fort Hill neighborhoods.
For more information about United Way of Central Georgia and its Community Schools United program, please visit https://www.unitedwaycg.org/CommunitySchoolsUnited.