“One of the things that we think is just ‘hurt people hurt people’ so if we can do something to bring healing to our community, that's a big part of this mission. “
Lakeshia S. Gilbert is the founder/ CEO of HOAP: Help Our Adolescents Prosper, one of 32 projects awarded funding in the program.
HOAP’s project is a Speak Up Speak Out - Break the Silence Summit.
“Just making it a little easier for families to have these conversations around their dinner table, not shy away from the things that we believe are causing most of the increased violence in our community and just a lack of understanding and knowledge in terms of support that is available.”
The city's Neighborhood Match Fund invests in projects that bring community together, promote a deeper sense of belonging and support inclusion and social justice.
Other awardees include Skates Downtown, a family-friendly roller-skating event, and Innovative Literacy Solutions which offers education bridging the digital divide in urban communities.
The next round of submissions opens in December for projects taking place March through August 2026.
