Bloomington opened applications Tuesday for $150,000 in grants to prevent violence.
Mayor Kerry Thomson allocated the funds to support community organizations’ efforts to stop violence before it happens. Thomson said prevention involves giving people accessible ways to handle conflicts when they’re in crisis.
“At the 30,000-foot level, violence usually happens because people don't know how to solve problems in other ways,” she said. “When people are stressed, they tend to react with violence because, you know, they can't access all of the tools in their toolbox necessarily.”
In 2023, New Leaf New Life received grant funding to hire a case management position. New Leaf New Life offers services to Monroe County residents who’ve experienced incarceration.
Some of 2023’s grants were aimed at younger demographics. For example, Middle Way House received funding to teach Monroe County students about healthy relationship dynamics.
“We need to start where we're starting many things, which is in infancy, and making sure that our infants are not experiencing trauma, and that all their basic needs are met,” Thomson said. “They're not hungry, they're not tired, they're well-housed, they're free of substances."
Watch: ER doctor reflects on treating trauma, preventing violence | PBS News Hour
Thomson said the grants are open to all organizations. The maximum amount for each grant is $25,000. Organizations can apply until 5 p.m., Aug. 30, and grant awards will be announced by Sept. 15.