Office of Justice Programs? Blog Discusses OJJDP Grantee Unlocking Youth Potential

The?Office of Justice Programs?(OJP) recently posted a?blog?post spotlighting an OJJDP grantee serving Houston area youth?Civic Heart. The organization provides services to justice-involved youth, helping them overcome barriers to success.

The blog highlights two OJJDP-funded Civic Heart initiatives: VOICES and Youth C.A.N. (Create A New Beginning). VOICES is tailored to the needs of girls and provides services to reduce the risk of future system involvement. Youth C.A.N., supported by a grant awarded through OJJDP?s Second Chance Act program, is designed to help system-involved youth successfully reenter their communities.

The blog also describes Civic Heart?s support of Houston?s Youth Justice Community Reinvestment Fund, which OJJDP Administrator Liz Ryan said exemplifies ?how young people and communities benefit when agencies come together and focus on community-based services.?

OJJDP has awarded more than $192 million to fund organizations like Civic Heart in communities nationwide, part of more than?$4.4 billion?in OJP grant funding awarded in fiscal year 2023.