Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program Awardees
Dear Fellow Washingtonians,
At the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), we recognize that along with policing and prosecution, prevention work is a key component of any comprehensive public safety strategy to help make the District safer now and in the future.
Community-based organizations play a critical role in improving public safety, fostering positive youth development, and helping to ensure that young people have the tools and skills necessary for long-term success.
In recognition of the impact these organizations have on developing our city’s youth and tapping their potential, OAG established the Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program to support on-the-ground community organizations that are serving DC’s kids and helping to ensure they succeed.
The response was overwhelming. Over 200 organizations applied for these grants, highlighting the District’s deep need for proactive interventions that support healthy and positive youth development designed to keep young people from becoming involved in the justice system.
Initially launched to provide $250,000 in grant funding, our program announcement spurred a partnership with The Greater Washington Community Foundation (The Community Foundation), culminating in a total of $1.5 million in new funding shared across OAG, the Community Foundation, and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE).
The following awardees were selected by OAG:
- Access Youth
- Anacostia Coordinating Council – Building Futures Program
- BEST Kids, Inc.
- GALA Hispanic Theater
- Horton’s Kids
- Life Pieces to Masterpieces
- Mothers Outreach Network
- Negotiation Works
- Network for Victim Recovery DC
- The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project
- Washington DC Police Foundation
We’re extremely grateful for The Community Foundation’s generous contribution, which effectively quadrupled OAG’s initial investment and allowed us to reach many more deserving community organizations, and we’re pleased that the Mayor followed suit in providing new funds through ONSE.
You can learn more about the Leaders of Tomorrow grant program here.
With gratitude,
Brian L. Schwalb
Attorney General for the District of Columbia
Combatting Gun Violence
Last week, I joined a group of 22 Attorneys General in defending a federal law that prohibits people convicted of felonies from possessing firearms. Overturning this law would undermine the District’s ability to enforce sensible rules needed to protect our communities from gun violence.
And earlier this week, I joined a coalition of state Attorneys General in warning gun manufacturer Glock, Inc. to preserve documents related to how easily users can convert its handguns into illegal machine guns, following allegations that the company knew for decades that this conversion capability was a natural feature of its handgun design and that it would have been easy and obvious for Glock to make different design choices to avoid this problem.
My office will continue to use every tool available under the law to protect District residents from firearm-related violence.
Highlighting OAG’s Results for District Residents in Our 2023 Impact Report
Last week, we released our 2023 Impact Report, which highlighted the many ways in which OAG made a real and measurable difference in District residents’ lives last year. The Report contains information and data on how we work to improve public safety; defend the rights of consumers, workers, and seniors; fight for environmental justice; ensure that businesses compete on a level playing field; preserve your tax dollars; fight for affordable housing; and prioritize support for children and families.
Through big wins, settlements, mediations, and so much more, OAG delivered savings and benefits to the District of more than $610 million last year—over four times the agency’s annual budget.
OAG is a small but mighty agency that punches well above its weight, and I’m looking forward to building on these efforts in the months and years ahead.
Putting $2 Million+ Into Workers’ Pockets
Earlier this month, we announced a settlement with Arise, a gig economy customer service company, that will put more than $2 million into the pockets of workers that the company exploited in a misclassification scheme – an illegal practice that is, unfortunately, all too common in the District. Arise denied hundreds of employees minimum wages, overtime, and sick leave. OAG will continue to fight to ensure that workers receive the wages and benefits they deserve and that District businesses compete on a level playing field.
Ensuring Nonprofit Funds Are Used for Nonprofit Purposes – Not Private Gain
Earlier this month, we filed a lawsuit against Robynn Chandler-Mitchell, the former Treasurer and board member of the DC nonprofit Parents Organized for the Power of Powell School (POPPS), the parent-teacher organization created to support the teachers, students, and staff of Powell Elementary School. Ms. Chandler-Mitchell exploited her trusted position as Treasurer by spending funds meant for the school on personal expenses. Any nonprofit operating in the District of Columbia must follow DC law and ensure that its funds are used for designated nonprofit purposes not for personal, private gain.
OAG in the Community
Throughout the month, we participated in several tours, site visits, and events throughout the city. We kicked off the month with a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture—a moving experience and a powerful narration of U.S. history through the lens of African American history and culture.
We also toured the KIPP-AIM Higher Achievement site and met some of the young people who participate in this enriching afterschool program. These youth are powerful advocates, and it was great to have the opportunity to speak with them.
We rounded out the month at the Midnight Basketball League’s kickoff game, which gives kids a positive outlet where they can be safe, have fun, and socialize outside of school.
Protecting Access to Safe Reproductive Care
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that threatens to limit or ban access to mifepristone, a safe, FDA-approved treatment for medication abortions. We previously filed two briefs in this case alongside a coalition of state Attorneys General urging the Court to preserve safe medication abortion options. Limiting mifepristone access would threaten the health and reproductive freedom of thousands of District residents and millions nationwide. My office will continue to fight to protect access to reproductive care.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, we hosted a panel—“Queens Counsel: Celebrating the Women of OAG”—with several OAG alumnae, who they shared their career paths, experiences, and insights, both inside and outside of OAG.
And earlier this week, I joined Ward 7 and Ward 8 community members and local organizations at the Women of Faith Prayer Breakfast, where we celebrated women faith leaders and clergy who are supporting DC today and building our future.