RochesterWorks launching $2.25 million gun violence prevention initiative

ROCHESTER, N.Y (WHEC) — The region’s largest nonprofit provider of workforce and career services is launching a Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) initiative with the help of community organizations that will provide job opportunities for hundreds of young adults in Rochester.

Funded by the NYS Department of Labor, the $2.25 million initiative is part of a multi-phased state-wide strategy to reduce gun violence. 75% of participants reside in nine priority zip codes identified by the NYSDOL: 14605, 14606, 14608, 14609, 14611, 14613, 14615, 14619, and 14621.

The program will serve unemployed, under-employed and out-of-school youth ages 18 to 24. The goal of the program is to connect 450 at-risk youth to good-paying, permanent, unsubsidized employment.

The GVP program will also invite nonprofit 501(c)(3) Community or Faith-Based Organizations, and units of local government to apply to provide outreach and recruitment services, workforce preparation services, or both. An informational session will be held for potential partners on Oct. 7 at the Gantt Community Center. Interested organizations can register at tinyurl.com/GVPBidder2021.