Senator Hwang Attends Rollout of Comprehensive and Collaborative Gun Violence Prevention Study with 3-Year, $1 Million Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2024

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Senator Hwang Attends Rollout of Collaborative Gun Violence Prevention Study with 3-Year, $1 Million Grant

BRIDGEPORT – On Tuesday, March 12th, the Tow Foundation announced a 3-year, $1 million grant for a collaborative study on gun violence prevention in Bridgeport. This study will be conducted by Fairfield University’s Center for Social Impact, Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP), and a community advocacy organization called PT Partners. These partners will work alongside three main public housing communities in Bridgeport – PT Barnum Apartments, the Charles F. Green Homes, and Trumbull Gardens, to build the capacity of community members impacted by gun violence to identify solutions. Conversations with these individuals will help to give them the tools they need for community building.

This community-based approach to combating gun violence aims to address the issue by investing in these historically disadvantaged areas, creating opportunities for residents to thrive. Analysts will survey those most directly impacted by gun violence to identify risk factors associated with gun violence like poverty, isolation, housing instability, and more. This plan builds on “Amplifying Resident Voices”, a Bridgeport Youth Gun Violence Task Force project which proved successful in the past. Senator Hwang joined these organizations as they rolled out their plan for the study, highlighting each partner’s expertise and focus.

“I am so grateful for the Tow Foundation and these chosen community nonprofit experts and educational partners for supporting this important study. Gun violence is preventable and needs to be stopped. This study will get to the root cause of this dangerous societal issue, identifying the multitude of underlying causes for these tragedies. This holistic approach will provide key insights into where investments can be most optimally made to have the highest impact. Any effort that places the voice of the community at its center is bound to bear effective policy.” Said Senator Tony Hwang.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Fairfield University students and faculty to participate in a community-engaged research project. ‘Amplifying Resident Voices’ positions academic and community members as true partners and co-researchers employing a transdisciplinary approach that integrates traditional fields, such as public health and sociology, with expertise rooted in community and lived experience. ” Remarked Melissa Quan, EdD., Director of Fairfield University’s Center for Social Impact.

“It is important to get the community’s voice when we are addressing gun violence. We are really listening, hearing, and analyzing, and will implement THEIR suggestions in reducing gun violence.” Said RYASAP Executive Director Marc Donald.

“As residents of PT Barnum Apartments, we bring the perspective of the community. We are some of the ones most affected by gun violence. We go straight to the heart of who lives it and who knows it.” Said President of PT Partners’ Resident Council Dione Dwyer.

“The whole collaborative is really important, both the evaluation and the community outreach. It is so evident that the power needs to go to the community leaders. We have to get to the root causes first of why people get involved in the justice system, and then direct the dollars to where they are most needed.” Said Tow Foundation Program Director Diane Sierpina.