Paterson healing collective - the paterson healing collective (PHC), created through a partnership between reimagining justice INC

And ST. Joseph's university medical center, is a hospital-based violence intervention program located in paterson, NJ that applies community-based violence intervention and prevention strategies and examines violence through a public health framework. The PHC's innovative solution seeks to address the root causes of gun violence, including food insecurity, lack of safe housing, and a lack of access to medical care and mental health services. The PHC's aim is to promote healing and reduce over-policing and incarceration in communities of color and provides case management, advocacy services, and mental health counseling services. Population to be served: the paterson healing collective (PHC) will serve patients that arrive at ST. Joseph university medical center's emergency room for medical care due to gun violence injury and stab wound injury. The ages served in the PHC are males and females between 14-40 years old and residents of paterson, NJ and neighboring communities, with a focus on the 1ST, 4TH, and 5TH wards, due to the prevalence of shootings in these areas. These communities are primarily comprised of people of color (61% hispanic/latinx and 26% black or african american), who have been historically disadvantaged, marginalized and underserved. With nearly 150,000 residents, paterson is new jersey's third most populous city, but has one of the lowest per capita income levels in the state. Nearly 30% of the city's population lives in poverty (three times the state average). The PHC anticipates serving 60 victims and their families who are impacted by violence and trauma. Although 60 victims will be enrolled in the program, the PHC receives up to 100 referrals annually. Goals & objectives: the PHC strives to address the pressing and unmet needs and significant service gaps within the city of paterson, resulting in a safer and healthier community and has set the following two goals to achieve during the 12-month grant period - the PHC will address gun violence intervention to reduce the risk of retaliation and also address prevention to reduce the amount of gun violence incidents that occur in the community of paterson - the PHC will focus on healing the community impacted by violence and provide access to mental health support and services these goals will be achieved through the implementation of the strategies and interventions identified below. Strategies/interventions: - engage and enroll at least 60 victims and create short-term safety plans - coordinate 20 community events (healing spaces) that typically engage 300 residents - provide one-on-one counseling services - facilitate up to 24 male and female support groups - graduate up to 50% of enrolled clients