CHARLOTTE — As violence at Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools continues to raise questions, the Mecklenburg County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council is awarding more than $2 million to area organizations helping keep kids out of trouble.
[ RELATED: CMS parents sound off on violence in schools following latest gun incident ]
Life Connections of the Carolinas, a mentorship program based in Charlotte, has received funding for the past 18 years. Glenn Smith, the nonprofit’s founder, said the group uses relationships and communication to tackle confrontation before it escalates.
Other groups have until early February to apply for funding from the county. They’ll be notified in the spring if they receive funds.
“What we are looking for is programs to come to the table that we may have not been exposed to before,” said Jessica Davis, chair of the crime prevention council.
>>CLICK here to learn more about JCPC.
>>> Watch the video at the top of this page for Anthony Kustura’s full coverage of the work to stop youth violence in Mecklenburg County.
(WATCH BELOW: ‘Unacceptable’: CMS superintendent lays out district’s plan to curb school violence)
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