A severely underserved group, particularly young and teenage girls, faces increasing mental health challenges exacerbated by covid and rising community violence

This $990,000 Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (CFDA 16.753 Congressionally Recommended Awards) supports a holistic health, wellness, and violence prevention program for a severely underserved group, particularly young and teenage girls, facing increasing mental health challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 and rising community violence.

The grant recipient, The Justice Education Center Inc., a non-profit organization in West Hartford, Connecticut, is partnering with the Women's National Basketball Association's Connecticut Sun, local Police Athletic League (PAL) programs, and community organizations to deliver this initiative. The program focuses on boosting self-esteem, tackling body image concerns, and building resilience through sports, field trips, and enrichment activities. The award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2028.

To address these issues, inspire partners with the women's national basketball association's connecticut sun, law enforcement police athletic league (PAL) programs, and community organizations to provide a holistic health, wellness, and violence prevention program. This initiative focuses on boosting self-esteem, tackling body image concerns, and building resilience through sports, field trips, and enrichment activities.