Background
The 2025 Spring Break Youth Safety Initiative Grant was an opportunity to help prevent and reduce violence: principally, gun violence through collaborative community-based prevention efforts. The grant prioritized the following Portland neighborhoods, including: Cully; Hazelwood; Eliot; Powellhurst-Gilbert; and/or areas known for high rates of violent incidents and gun violence.
Applicants supporting efforts in all neighborhoods, even those outside the priority areas, were encouraged to apply.
The Portland Office of Violence Prevention received 43 applications for the $175,000 sponsorship and was unable to award funds to many organizations doing important gun violence prevention work in the community. A selection committee reviewed each application.
The following organizations received funding to help reduce gun violence through community-based prevention efforts:
Outgrowing Hunger, Play Grow Learn - $25,000
Program Summary: Successful implementation of the Spring Break Community Meals and Youth Engagement Initiative in East Portland, aimed at reducing food insecurity and youth violence. During Spring Break 2025, Play Grow Learn distributed 200 nutritious meals to families in the Hazelwood neighborhood, a recognized food desert, while also offering structured activities such as agricultural training and conflict resolution workshops for youth.
These initiatives provided valuable skills and mentorship, fostering community engagement in food sustainability and promoting long-term violence prevention. The program highlighted the importance of investing in food security, youth mentorship, and workforce development to enhance community resilience and safety in areas affected by systemic challenges.
The youth engagement component of the Spring Break Community Meals and Youth Engagement Initiative included the following activities:
- Agricultural Training: Youth participated in hands-on training related to agriculture, which likely involved learning about food production and sustainability.
- Workforce Development: This component aimed to equip youth with skills that are valuable in the job market, preparing them for future employment opportunities.
- Conflict Resolution Workshops: These workshops provided youth with strategies and skills to effectively manage and resolve conflicts, reducing the risk of engaging in violence.
- Germination Workshops: These hands-on activities fostered community engagement in food sustainability, allowing participants to learn about the process of growing food and its importance.
Additionally, the initiative concluded with a community resource fair that partnered with several organizations serving families in East County, further enhancing community support and resources.
Elevating East Portland Youth, Elevate Oregon - $25,000
Program Summary: Elevate Oregon facilitated engaging activities organized for students from various educational levels over several days. Events included interactive experiences with law enforcement and wildlife officials, a business program in partnership with the Portland Trail Blazers, a fun outing at Dave & Busters, a movie trip, and a ski tubing event.
Additionally, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament was held, featuring professional referees and support from local organizations, which attracted a significant number of participants. Overall, the activities aimed to foster community bonding, skill development, and exposure to different career paths for the youth involved.
During the Elevate Oregon program at the Moda Center, students participated in the following activities:
- Business of Sport Program This program was designed to expose high school students to the business side of professional sports. This program allowed 26 high school students to participate.
- Arena Tour Students explored various business facets of the sports industry and toured different sections of the arena.
- Fine Dining Experience They enjoyed a fine dining lunch experience, which included etiquette training.
- Live Panel Discussion Students participated in a live panel hosted by the Trail Blazers content team, where they gained insights from industry professionals.
- Mentorship They received direct mentorship from seasoned professionals across various industries, focusing on skill-building and career exploration in a real-world context.
These activities aimed to provide students with valuable knowledge and experiences related to the sports industry.
Other programming event details include:
- The Elevate Oregon 2025 initiative involved various activities aimed at engaging youth, including a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and a series of educational events related to sports and community building.
- Over 100 students participated in a day-long event featuring wildlife education, a SWAT vehicle, and hands-on engagement with emergency response professionals.
- A fun outing at Dave & Busters brought together over 130 students, focusing on peer bonding and community building.
- The All-District Movie Trip engaged 170 students with film-related activities, supplemented by a shared lunch experience.
- Activities culminated in a ski tubing event that included 27 All-Star youth, reinforcing community ties across different school levels.
Rising Tides, Tsunami Youth Rugby Club - $24,138
Program Summary: Facilitated a spring break camp aimed at engaging youth in Portland, particularly those at risk of community violence. Organized by local rugby coaches and educators, the camp provided participants with educational sessions focused on life skills and rugby training, attracting a diverse group of 58 youth and high school participants. The initiative received strong community support and feedback, especially from parents and guardians, highlighting its positive impact on participants, including those with neurodivergent backgrounds.
The camp's success has led to plans for future events to further expand participation and offerings, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support in youth development.
Additionally, there was contact with 33 parents and guardians who expressed interest in attending future sessions.
Glass Horizons, DC RingZ - $20,750
Program Summary: Glass art and business development course for 12 youth participants aged 14-19, which took place during spring break. The program achieved an 85% attendance rate, with many students expressing that they would have otherwise spent their time playing video games, doing nothing or in the streets.
A notable highlight was a participant, who quickly learned the craft and confidently took on a teaching role, demonstrating the program's impact on personal growth and purpose.
The course not only provided hands-on experience in glassmaking and entrepreneurship but also equipped students with the potential to earn money by selling their creations. Overall, the initiative aimed to inspire youth by showing them the value of creativity, discipline, and community in shaping a brighter future.
Youth Empowerment and Violence Prevention, Latino Network - $13,200
Program Summary: Over four days, participants from various programs built community, experienced joy and safety, and learned new skills.
Youth from the Milpa program took part in a low-rider bike workshop. Other activities included trips to K1-Speed, Top Golf, Bullwinkle's, Dave & Busters, and Hopscotch.
Graduates from Padrinos and CHI Early Intervention celebrated completing a 12-week curriculum in a character development program focused on preventing substance abuse and violence. All programs are based on La Cultura Cura principles, emphasizing the importance of cultural practices for healthy development.
BMIT Boxing and Arts Spring Camp, Black Men in Training - $25,000
Program Summary: Successfully hosted its first Spring Break Camp, which provided an engaging experience for youth in the historic Parkrose community. The camp welcomed an average of 20 youth daily, with over 30 attending on the most popular day, more than half of whom were teenagers.
Activities included arts and crafts, photography, yoga, boxing techniques, team-building exercises, mindfulness, and educational workshops, all designed to create a safe and supportive environment for youth to explore their strengths and build relationships. The week culminated in a celebration featuring snow cones, popcorn, and treats from Bounce n Play PDX, fostering community connections and enjoyable memories, while parents and community partners participated in meaningful engagement.
Grackles Rising Tides, Portland Rugby Club - $20,350
Program Description: During the Spring Break Youth Rugby Camp, our team welcomed nearly 60 youth participants for a dynamic and impactful week of education, empowerment, and athletic development. With the support of community leaders, volunteers, and professional athletes, the camp integrated mental health awareness, life skills training, and high-level rugby instruction in a fun, inclusive environment.
Each day began with breakfast and group discussions focused on mental health and personal development. Youth engaged in meaningful sessions with the Violence Interruption team from Rose City Self-Defense, followed by interactive workshops covering a wide range of topics including self-awareness, confident communication, assertiveness, boundary-setting, bystander intervention, financial literacy, consent, healthy relationships, and personal brand-building.
In the afternoons, participants took to the field at Fernhill Park, where they trained with Olympians and elite rugby players to develop fundamental skills, strategic gameplay, and teamwork. The week concluded with a spirited on-field jamboree, giving teams the opportunity to apply everything they had learned and celebrate their growth together.
The camp created a safe, engaging space for young people to build confidence, connect with positive role models, and discover new strengths—both on and off the field.
TTM Spring Break Camp, Triple Threat Mentoring - $24,970
Program Summary: Completed a successful Spring Break Sports & Lit Camp organized by Triple Threat Mentoring in partnership with local organizations, which provided over 150 children from kindergarten to sixth grade with a free, engaging environment filled with sports and literacy activities.
The camp employed 30 high school teens as Junior Coaches, who not only led the activities but also gained valuable skills in responsibility and teamwork. Key objectives included offering a safe space during Spring Break, reducing community violence by keeping youth active and supervised, and fostering a love for reading through access to engaging books.
Additionally, the camp introduced participants to STEAM activities, promoting curiosity and critical thinking, while emphasizing the importance of representation by having staff from the same communities as the campers, thereby inspiring the youth to see themselves in various roles and fields.
The main objectives of the camp were:
- To provide a safe, engaging space for kids during Spring Break, a time when families often face challenges finding structured, positive environments for their children.
- To reduce and prevent community violence by keeping youth active, supervised, and connected to positive role models.
- To foster a love for literacy, recognizing the life-changing power of reading and storytelling.