Safe Passage Program

Thanks to a 3-year grant awarded by the Norfolk Department of Health (NDPH), Teens with a Purpose – The Youth Movement has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the Safe Passage Program in some of Norfolk’s most impacted communities. This program aims to intervene and address the root causes of firearm-related violence.

Gun violence, like any other form of violence, poses a serious threat to public health. The NDPH recognizes the magnitude of this issue and believes that a comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle it effectively. By funding Teens with a Purpose efforts, the department aims to prevent death, disability, and injury caused by gun violence in the community. According to the data from the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) data portal for Virginia’s Plan for Wellbeing, the violent crime rate in the City of Norfolk is approximately 603.5 per 100,000 individuals. This figure is almost three times higher than the rate in the State of Virginia (207.0 per 100,000) and nearly double the national average of 386 per 100,000. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action.

The Safe Passage Program aims to address the underlying causes of gun violence by focusing on prevention and intervention. It recognizes that simply treating the symptoms of violence is not enough and that a more holistic approach is required. By working closely with at-risk individuals and communities, this program aims to provide them with the necessary resources, support, and guidance to avoid resorting to violence.

Teens with a Purpose intersects youth development practices; civic engagement, peer leadership, and high-quality artistic presentation creating safe inclusive spaces that challenge young people to find, develop, publicly present, and apply their voices as creators of positive social change. One of the key advantages of community-driven solutions like the Safe Passage Program is the ability to address specific needs and challenges faced by these communities. By actively involving the community in the decision-making process, these solutions are tailored to the local context, ensuring better outcomes and greater sustainability. By engaging Teens with a Purpose in the Norfolk communities, NDPH hopes to foster a sense of ownership and empowerment among individuals, as they become active contributors to the development of their own community. This leads to increased participation, collaboration, and a stronger sense of solidarity.

Moreover, community-driven solutions often result in the development of networks, relationships, and trust, which can be mobilized to address existing challenges and build resilience. Through community-driven initiatives, individuals come together, building strong bonds and fostering collective action. This can then be utilized to tackle a wide range of issues, such as improving access to healthcare, ensuring quality education, enhancing environmental sustainability, or promoting socio-economic development.

The Norfolk Department of Public Health, along with other city leaders and community partners, is taking a proactive stance on the issue of gun violence in the community. Through combined city-wide efforts, resources, and programs, they are actively working towards preventing firearm-related violence and addressing its root causes, creating a safer environment for all residents of Norfolk.

For more information on the Safe Passage Program, visit https://www.newarkcommunitystreetteam.org/