Our Chicago: Donald Trump administration's US Department of Justice terminates grants to violence prevention organizations
Share this @internewscast.com

The U.S. Department of Justice has recently decided to discontinue funding for certain groups that focus on enhancing public safety and decreasing violence.

One of the impacted organizations is Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, part of Metropolitan Family Services. According to Executive Director Vaughn Bryant, they have lost $3.7 million in grants.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The organization says the impact will be significant especially in Chicago neighborhoods like Englewood and Woodlawn.

Another group that’s impacted is Project Outreach and Prevention, or POP, on Youth Violence.

This organization operates in four communities in Northwest Indiana: Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, and Merrillville. Dr. Michael McGee, the founder, notes that his organization lost roughly $1 million due to these cuts.

They learned of the grant terminations just days before the start of National Youth Violence Prevention Week.

As for the reason for the grants being terminated, Bryant says they were told that the grant no longer supports the goals of the administration.

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives and POP on Youth Violence are part of an effort to appeal the decision to terminate the grants.

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives works with 15 local organizations in Chicago.

“Yeah, so, for us, it just means that organizations will probably have to lay off workers. And the timing of this is terrible, because we know that the vast majority of our gun violence happens in the summertime, so doing this now is inconvenient,” Bryant said.

For POP on Youth Violence, McGee says, “For us, we’re small. We only have about three employees but our outreach is great.”

McGee says they work with young men with gun charges who are on probation.

“We’ve been doing some amazing work and now all that stops. We’ve been decreasing the amount of youth that are carrying guns. And doing that great, outstanding work and now all that stops,” Bryant said. “If we were to take the three neighborhoods where the DOJ grant is actually operating, West Englewood is down about about 33%, Englewood is down about 42%. So, total number of homicides. And Woodlawn is down 75% over the last five years… We are not saying that we are solely responsible for that. But having community violence intervention being part of the public safety ecosystem has been a value add.”

Both organizations are part of an effort to appeal the decision to terminate the grants.

As for what’s ahead, McGee says his organization is trying to find innovative ways of doing things that doesn’t require a lot of money.

“We’re going to fundraise, we’re going to keep doing the work that we can,” he said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance

Texas Officer Shot Near ICE Facility Amid Trump’s Zero Tolerance Policy

In response to a Texas police officer being shot outside a U.S.…
Two boys in Camp La Junta shirts stand outside.

Miracle Escape: Two Brothers Swim to Safety from Rising Floodwaters in Texas Camp Cabin

TWO brave young brothers have told of their gutsy escape from the…
Chicago NASCAR race:3rd NASCAR Chicago Street Race takes off in Grant Park for 2nd day with Cup Series race

NASCAR Chicago: Day 2 of the Third Annual Race Kicks Off in Grant Park with Cup Series Action

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third annual NASCAR Street Race will hit the…
Republican congressman reunites with daughters after Texas camp flooding, thanks ‘countless heroes’

Republican Congressman Reunites with Daughters Following Texas Camp Flood, Praises ‘Countless Heroes’

A Republican legislator reported that he has been reunited with his two…
Perfect storm of conditions fueled the deadly Texas flooding: experts

Experts Explain How a Combination of Factors Led to the Deadly Flooding in Texas

A devastating combination of a sluggish pocket of humid air, dry landscape,…
Are You a HENRY?

Do You Identify as a High-Earning Not Rich Yet (HENRY)?

(NerdWallet) – No, we’re not asking your name. And we promise we’re…
Yankees' Jazz Chisholm out of Subway Series lineup with shoulder issue

Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Misses Subway Series Game Due to Shoulder Problem

The Yankees, struggling with a six-game losing streak and several player absences,…
TikTok building new version of app ahead of expected US sale: report

TikTok Developing New App Version in Anticipation of Possible US Sale: Report

According to a report from The Information, TikTok is developing a new…
Celebrities, corporations open wallets after deadly flood in Texas Hill Country

Stars and businesses donate generously after Texas Hill Country flood disaster

As the search and relief efforts continue for victims affected by a…
The disturbing moment four-year-old Cash was allegedly abducted by Brown

Chilling Incident: 4-Year-Old Boy Abducted from Bed While Sleeping Next to Twin Brother – Still Missing

THIS is the harrowing moment a four-year-old boy is kidnapped from his…
Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing

Texas Flood Survivors Share Dramatic Experiences as Search Efforts Persist for the Missing

As officials continue to verify fatalities and search for people missing following…
Brunswick shooting leaves woman injured, man arrested

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Seeks Suspect in Shooting Incident That Injured One Person

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says this happened just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday…