City picks youth advocate programs to run alternative to violence program locations

CHARLOTTE — Queen city officials are working towards a safer Charlotte.

City officials have chosen Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) to run the Alternatives to Violence (ATV) program at two locations.

YAP will oversee the current Beatties Ford Road program, as well as the newly appointed West Boulevard location. Early in February, the city also launched a bid opening for three separate ATV locations, it was closed on March 17. The bid for the third location on Nations Ford will allow the site to re-open and gives the city the chance to pick a new provider.

Organizations have to meet certain requirements to be able to work at ATV program locations like attending a virtual Cure Violence 101 training session, having a certified 501c3 status, having connections with community agencies and service area partners, a history of managing federal funds, as well as a cost model with the maximum budget of $1.35 million.

Ideas for the three locations were presented to and reviewed by a committee made up of city and county staff, funding partners, Greenlight and Wells Fargo, and members of the community.

Due to the program’s recent success, the city is looking to extend the program and build on its impact to make the city of Charlotte safe as it continues to grow.

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