RACINE, Wis., Sept. 23, 2024 – The City of Racine’s Department of Community Safety has awarded more than $141,300 to three local programs aimed at preventing crime and violence by providing mentorship and legal support to residents.
The grants benefit the Women’s Resource Center of Racine Inc., Focus on Community Inc., and Payne Consulting LLC. These organizations will use the funds to continue or expand services such as legal support for women leaving abusive relationships and after-school programs that help students improve academically and socially.
“These programs steer adults and children away from futures where they could be expelled from school, abuse drugs or commit violent acts,” said Racine Mayor Cory Mason. “Instead, we will help them back onto the right path where they can graduate high school, launch careers and share stable households with their children.”
“Our goal is to address the root causes of violence by providing early support and intervention,” said John Tate II, director of the Department of Community Safety. “By investing in these programs, we’re empowering individuals to overcome challenges before they escalate, creating a safer and more hopeful future for our community.”
The grants, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the Medical College of Wisconsin Community Safety Fund, were awarded through a competitive process.
Program highlights include:
- Women’s Resource Center of Racine Inc. received $41,359 to expand its legal advocacy and support services for survivors of domestic violence. The center assists women in obtaining restraining orders, navigating divorce and addressing child custody cases, helping them gain independence and escape abusive environments. This year to date, the program has supported nearly 500 women in Racine County, an increase from 350 in 2023.
- Payne Consulting LLC was awarded $50,000 for its Next Level Mentoring Program, which provides free, after-school sessions for 9- to 13-year-olds. The program offers academic support, life coaching and mentorship, with sessions hosted at the Tyler Domer Community Center. The program offers academic support, life coaching and mentorship, with sessions hosted at the Tyler Domer Community Center. Participants also receive free transportation through Commute to Careers and have access to training from Golden Touch Boxing and Boxing Saves Lives that emphasizes discipline and confidence. The program also incorporates community speakers, leadership development and computer skills training to prepare students for potential careers in the tech industry.
- Focus on Community Inc. was granted $50,000 for its Empowering Futures initiative in collaboration with Racine Unified School District. The 8-week after-school program, held at Park High School, supports students facing expulsion. It provides tutoring, substance abuse prevention workshops, mentorship and leadership training to help students turn their academic and personal lives around.
These programs provide essential support for Racine residents, helping prevent future crime and violence while fostering personal growth and development.
About the Department of Community Safety:
The City of Racine Department of Community Safety, previously known as the Office of Violence Prevention, was created in 2023. Directed by John Tate II, the Department’s mission is to address community safety as a public health concern and provide community-focused early intervention resources through collaboration with community partners. The Department’s Strive for a Safer Racine initiative aims to reduce community violence and create a safer, successful city for all residents.
