Updated 7/8/2021 6:02 PM Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle Thursday was among leaders announcing $1.5 million in grants to community-based organizations through the Justice Advisory Council aimed at addressing root causes of crime and violence. The announcement comes just days after an especially deadly Fourth of July weekend in the city of Chicago in which more than 100 people were shot and 19 killed.
The money is intended to provide mental health and other supportive services by increasing access to jobs and capital and critical social services, as well as helping build wealth through business and homeownership. "We've learned that we must use a public health approach to address the root causes of violence," Preckwinkle said. "That means investing in people and the communities in which they live. This approach has the power to prevent crime before it ever happens. This funding will support the work that has already seen success and is sure to be a catalyst for change in our neighborhoods."