Crime & Law

Cook County Announces $20M for Community Violence Intervention Services

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined community leaders Wednesday to announce $20 million in funding for community violence intervention services in the county.

The $20 million includes $5 million awarded through the county’s community violence intervention grant initiative and a new $15 million funding opportunity for community violence intervention that will launch later this year, Preckwinkle said during a news conference at St. Sabina Church.

“Community violence intervention works; it works because it’s community-led,” Preckwinkle said. “This work is difficult, relationship-based and often happens out of public view, but it saves lives.”

In Cook County, gun homicides decreased by more than 30% in 2025 — with 448 gun-related homicides last year — and decreased by more than 50% since 2021 when the county saw a high of 1,007 gun homicides, according to preliminary data from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Juandalynn Johnson, Cook County Justice Advisory Council grants management director, said the county’s community violence intervention initiative is grounded in three areas: street outreach and intervention, case management, and victim services.

“The organizations doing this work are responding to shootings and mediating conflicts,” Johnson said. “They are connecting with young people and building trust. They are meeting people where they are and connecting them to services and support, from getting IDs to trauma-informed counseling and job training.”

The $5 million is being awarded to the organizations New Eclipse Community Alliance, New Life Centers, OAI, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Rincon Family Services, Second Chance Initiative, UCAN, Lost Boyz and Unstacked, according to Johnson.

Cook County is a member of the Government Alliance for Safe Communities, formed in 2021 with Illinois, Cook County and the city of Chicago with the aim of maximizing the impact of funding and strengthening the community safety landscape, according to a news release.

Wednesday’s announcement comes as community groups and leaders observe Gun Violence Awareness Month in June.

Organizations can apply for the $15 million in new funding for community violence intervention services starting July 1. A virtual information session is scheduled for June 25.

More information can be found at CookCountyIL.gov/JACGrants.

Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]

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