Toni Preckwinkle County Board President | Cook County Government
Toni Preckwinkle County Board President | Cook County Government
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, along with the Cook County Justice Advisory Council and non-profit leaders, announced $25 million in grant awards to address gun violence through community-based programming. The funding will support two initiatives: the Cook County Community Violence Intervention (CC-CVI) initiative and the Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence (CC-SGV) initiative.
The CC-CVI initiative is set to receive $20 million to provide services for residents at risk of being involved in gun violence. Meanwhile, the CC-SGV initiative will start with a $5 million investment to aid survivors of gun violence and their families.
“Cook County is proud to invest in effective, evidence-backed approaches to community safety,” said Cook County Board President Preckwinkle. “With these grants, we are strategically supporting two key groups of residents: those most at risk of being involved in gun violence and those who are survivors of gun violence. By supporting our most vulnerable residents, we build safer communities for all.”
Gun homicides have decreased significantly in Cook County this year, with a reduction of over 35% from 2024 according to data from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Avik Das, Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, emphasized the importance of sustained investment in community safety efforts. “Building safe and thriving communities takes strategic, long-term investment,” he stated.
The initiatives align with funding opportunities under the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC), which includes leadership from state and local agencies. Quiwana Bell from IDHS highlighted the collaborative efforts within GASC as a model for addressing major challenges.
In total, 18 organizations will benefit from the CC-CVI initiative by providing services such as street outreach and case management. Yolanda Fields of Breakthrough described this investment as a commitment to peace and healing.
The CC-SGV initiative has awarded grants to 10 organizations offering crisis intervention and behavioral health services among others. Austa Murray from La Rabida Children’s Hospital expressed gratitude for expanding services that address gun violence's impact on children and families.
For more information on these initiatives and other community safety investments, visit CookCountyIL.gov/JACGrants.
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