The Community Violence Prevention Program is a collaborative effort of public and private agencies that provides pro-social opportunities to youth and parents in underserved communities.
CVPP program components work to empower youth with job training, strengthen social skills, and increase parent leadership within communities.
Governor Quinn's Community Violence Prevention Program (CVPP) Youth Employment Program (YEP) will make 1,800 Chicago-area young people ages 16 to 24 available to work part-time at local businesses and organizations for nine weeks in summer 2013.
Traditional employment and evidence-based mentorship create the foundation for youth as they set out to gain valuable work experience. All wages are subsidized by the CVPP state grant program.
Youth and local businesses in CVPP's 23 communities were invited to join the Youth Employment Program in 2013. CVPP received more than 6,000 applications from young workers in search of summer jobs.
CVPP's Youth Employment Program connects businesses and organizations 
with the next generation of talented and diverse young workers. CVPP managed recruitment and screening and provided job skills training to 1,800 youth who participated in the program. These youth will work part-time at partnering local businesses and organizations this summer.
In this unique partnership, job wages are subsidized by the CVPP state grant program without cost to employers. CVPP also manage all payroll and bookkeeping functions related to youth employment. This program provides employers the opportunity not only to gain a valuable employee without cost, but help mold the next generation of community and business leaders.
More than 1,000 Chicago-area employers submitted applications for Youth Employment Program participation in 2013.
Youth were recruited for employment by CVPP agencies in 23 Chicago-area communities. Youth participants will receive wages for 40 hours of job readiness training and 160 hours of employment. They will also be paid for 18 hours of community service activities. Throughout the summer, youth will receive both one-on-one and group mentoring.
The YEP Mentoring component offers youth one-to-one partnership that focuses on the needs of YEP participants. Mentors foster caring and supportive relationships, and encourage individuals to develop to their fullest potential. Mentors will encourage YEP participants to develop their own positive visions for the future. In addition, mentors develop active community partnerships to ensure additional youth support. YEP's Mentoring component incorporates evidence-based practices to produce positive youth outcomes. The latest mentoring research and evidence from experienced mentoring practitioners were collected for application in the program. Mentors are matched with youth based on questionnaires that gauge similarity, compatibility of values and attitudes, mutuality of interests, and geographic proximity.
The Parent Program component of the Community Violence Prevention Program will employ and charge 1,110 parent leaders within the 23 CVPP communities to reduce the risk factors that contribute to violence and negativity and promote the factors that contribute to family and community stability, well-being, and peace. Parent leaders will strengthen their own families and work in teams to advance transformation of their neighborhoods. The 19-week Parent Program is a collaboration of citizens, business, government, schools, and non-profit organizations that will support parents in raising healthy, positive, and productive children.
CVPP’S Parent Leadership component will:
Check out the Parent Program theme song, written and performed by Parent Program managers and coordinators!
Community Violence Prevention Program Reentry Programs provide crucial services for youth and young adults, ages 13-28, returning to the community from youth and adult correctional facilities. Reentry is designed to reduce recidivism by providing young people with educational and vocational opportunities, as well as mental health services that encourage and support them in making positive life choices.
