Better Work
  • Delivers Jobs for Life workforce training to justice-involved and underserved adults at locations including the Muscogee County Jail, Victory Mission, Freedom House, and Rutledge State Prison.
  • Expects to engage approximately 80 students and 40 volunteers through 7–8 classes covering communication, conflict resolution, financial literacy, teamwork, job readiness, and career planning.
  • Requests $28,633 (receiving $10,000), toward a $147,633 project; goals include improved graduation, employment, and job retention outcomes, plus fewer disciplinary infractions among incarcerated graduates.
 
Boyz 2 Men ’26
  • Operates the MATCH program—Mentoring, Affirmation, Teaching, Counseling, and Healing—for youth ages 6–17 through tutoring, counseling, mentoring, family workshops, and violence prevention.
  • The application estimates benefits for 300 youth and 30–35 families, while its detailed performance plan calls for approximately 250 students enrolled and 384 hours of mentoring and tutoring.
  • Requests $45,000, (receiving $5,000), toward a $112,800 project, with success measured through attendance, surveys, academic improvement, partner feedback, and youth engagement in positive activities.
 
Building Wellness
  • Delivers Stewards of Children training to help adults recognize, prevent, and respond appropriately to child sexual abuse.
  • Plans to train at least 500 adults annually, including educators, caregivers, childcare providers, and people in youth-serving organizations.
  • Requests $23,265, (receiving $5,000), toward a $25,850 project and will evaluate participation, knowledge gained, confidence in recognizing warning signs, and willingness to report suspected abuse.
 
CCC — Columbus Community Center
  • Proposes year-round STEM activities and an eight-week summer camp for approximately 20–25 children ages 5–12.
  • Seeks stronger academic and social skills, better attendance and interest in STEM, fewer behavioral problems, and greater family participation.
  • Requests $27,772 , (receiving $15,000),toward a $96,422 project; results will be assessed through sign-in sheets, pre- and post-tests, parent surveys, and youth summaries.
 
Claflin / My Brother’s Keeper
  • Provides reentry support, mentoring, life-skills instruction, job preparation, vocational training, and family-strengthening services for adults and youth.
  • Expects to serve 25 adults and 25 youth in Muscogee County through referrals from schools, agencies, churches, parents, probation, and corrections partners.
  • Requests $50,000 , (receiving $10,000), toward a $55,000 project, with quarterly evaluations focused on education, employment preparation, family reintegration, and reduced recidivism.
 
Clement
  • Uses CarePortal to connect the vetted needs of vulnerable children and families with churches, businesses, volunteers, and community partners.
  • Anticipates serving approximately 500–600 people annually; its recent results report 568 individuals served and nearly 89% of CarePortal requests fulfilled.
  • Requests $15,000 , (receiving $15,000),toward a $16,950 project to prevent foster-care entry or reentry, stabilize foster and kinship placements, and support safe family reunification.
 
Col Scholars 2026
  • Serves 53 middle-school, high-school, and college students through mentorship, enrichment sessions, tutoring, grade monitoring, and college guidance.
  • Provides SAT/ACT preparation, laptops and calculators, assistance with school expenses, and tutoring when a student’s GPA falls below 3.0.
  • Requests $26,000 t, (receiving $5,000),oward a $30,050 project and will track grade progression, academic performance, college readiness, and arrests or criminal charges among scholars.
 
CORTA CPG 2026-2027
  • The Columbus Regional Tennis Association expects its free TennisWorks! program to serve more than 400 youth through after-school sessions and summer camps.
  • Each school-year session combines tennis instruction with tutoring or enrichment and a snack; summer camps add longer activities and meals.
  • It requests $30,000 , (receiving $15,000),toward a $77,795 project and plans to track participation, retention, tennis skills, and academic progress.
 
CSO
  • The Columbus Symphony Orchestra estimates its music education activities will reach 1,110 young people: about 90 at three teaching sites, 620 through school programs, and 400 at a Young People’s Concert.
  • Its after-school instruction is shifting to six-week “Symphony Bites” courses, designed to work better when students cannot attend every week.
  • It requests $15,000 , (receiving $5,000),toward a $55,594.80 project to provide music instruction and concert experiences, with the goal of encouraging continued participation in school and community music programs.
 
CTC
  • Columbus Technical College proposes job training for 340 people: 265 at Muscogee County Prison and 75 adult education students pursuing a high school equivalency credential.
  • Participants would receive résumé and interview training and could pursue credentials in fields such as welding, construction, logistics, forklift safety, and commercial driving.
  • It requests $349,870 , (receiving $150,000),toward a $460,617 project and aims for at least 80% of participants to complete training, with employment tracked within 90 days of release or program completion.
 
CVEM ’26
  • Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry proposes support for about 100 people enrolled annually in the Columbus Day Reporting Center, where transportation can be a barrier to treatment, supervision, and work.
  • Assistance would include bus passes, identification documents, work attire, basic necessities, referrals, family workshops, and recovery events.
  • It requests $15,000, (receiving $15,000), toward a $30,000 project and would measure appointment attendance, compliance with program conditions, employment, and progression through the reporting center’s phases.
 
Dream ’26
  • The Columbus Dream Center projects serving 900 families, or about 2,500 individuals, with food, prepared meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, and case management.
  • It also plans school supply and uniform giveaways, a summer youth program, health-related partnerships, and neighborhood resource fairs addressing safety and local needs.
  • It requests $30,000 , (receiving $15,000),toward a $40,000 project and says it will review service counts monthly and progress toward its annual goal quarterly.
 
East Carver
  • East Carver Heights Community Development Corporation expects to serve 122 people through youth soccer, family programming, and academic support at Boxwood Recreation Center.
  • Its proposal aims to give children year-round activities while addressing learning needs, food security, and connections to other family resources.
  • It requests $35,000 , (receiving $20,000),toward a $64,500 project and anticipates gains in self-esteem, grades, cooperation, quality of life, and community connection.
 
Easterseals
  • Easterseals West Georgia proposes structured after-school activities from 3–6 p.m. for children affected by disability, with a focus on social skills, emotional regulation, and positive peer interaction.
  • The project expects to benefit 72 people: 24 participating children and 48 caregivers. It also includes four caregiver sessions on behavior management, de-escalation, and finding resources.
  • It requests $20,000 , (receiving $5,000),toward a $25,000 project to reduce unsupervised time and strengthen children’s behavior and family stability.
 
Emanuel Prep Crime Grant
  • Emanuel Preparatory School of Math and Science seeks $25,000, (receiving $25,000), for curriculum and supporting academic tools within a stated $910,789 overall school budget.
  • The all-male, STEAM-focused school serves pre-K through eighth grade and lists 110 families as beneficiaries.
  • It proposes measuring academic progress through quarterly assessments and annual Iowa assessments, linking educational opportunity to its crime-prevention purpose.
 
FAITH
  • F.A.I.T.H.’s “Men are MAD” initiative focuses on adolescent youth through mentorship, leadership development, family involvement, and restorative community support.
  • It describes monthly work with a cohort of 40 students and their households and estimates that its broader activities will benefit more than 1,000 people or families annually.
  • It requests $63,000, (receiving $20,000), toward a $70,000 project, seeking stronger confidence, educational commitment, family connections, and resistance to negative peer influences.
 
FLOW
  • Flourishing Ladies of the World focuses on girls with repeated school suspensions, using student support and parent training to improve decisions, behavior, and school engagement.
  • Its approach brings families and schools together to replace time lost to suspension with interventions and improve attendance, academic performance, and student–teacher relationships.
  • It estimates reaching 1,600 parents and students and requests $100,000 , (receiving $50,000),toward a $150,000 project.
 
Girls Inc
  • Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell expects to serve about 370 girls through center-based after-school and summer programming.
  • Its mentoring and hands-on programs focus on healthy living, mental health, academics, leadership, and skills to respond to bullying, violence, and other risks.
  • It requests $45,640 , (receiving $10,000),and plans to track attendance, regular social-emotional surveys, academic readiness, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills.
 
Goodwill
  • Goodwill’s BRIDGE GED program directly enrolls about 110 adults ages 18–30 each year for accelerated GED preparation, tutoring, life skills, and career planning.
  • Goodwill estimates serving about 1,100 people annually overall, including people referred to other education or support services when BRIDGE is not the right fit.
  • It requests $30,000, (receiving $30,000), toward a $364,683 project and targets measurable academic gains, GED completion, and stronger paths to work or further training.
 
JOT
  • JOT Inspires’ RISE program plans to serve 35 people annually: 10 women returning from incarceration or under supervision and 25 at-risk or probation-involved youth.
  • It combines mentoring and fitness sessions with job readiness, GED and education referrals, anger management, and behavioral health connections.
  • It requests $18,544.50 , (receiving $10,000),toward a $20,605 project, with goals of stronger education and work engagement, improved decision-making, and less repeat justice involvement.
 
Kingdom Sports
  • Kingdom Sports describes a free, three-month basketball league for at least 72 North Highland children ages 8–11, organized into eight teams.
  • Coaches and mentors use supervised play to teach teamwork, discipline, conflict resolution, confidence, and positive peer relationships.
  • It requests $10,000 , (receiving $10,000),toward an $11,559.62 project. The application states a January–March 2026 project period and an October 2025 funding need date.
 
Legit Station
  • Legitimation Station helps fathers establish legal relationships with their children so they can seek custody and visitation rights.
  • Its coordinator recruits and supports volunteer attorneys and paralegals who help fathers prepare and file court documents; the program reports serving roughly 100–130 fathers annually.
  • It requests $17,000, (receiving $17,000), toward a $19,850 project, connecting increased parental involvement with its goal of stronger family stability.
 
Living Mosaic
  • Living Mosaic Collective proposes converting a blighted Warm Springs Road property into a community greenhouse and activity space.
  • Planned programming includes gardening, art, creative reuse, and self-sufficiency skills; the new organization estimates about 100 direct participants.
  • It requests $5,000 , (receiving $5,000),toward a $13,165 project, aiming to increase constructive use of the site and reduce loitering, vandalism, and other problems there.
 
Micahs Promise
  • Micah’s Promise proposes countywide education to help youth, residents, and professionals recognize and respond to child sex trafficking.
  • Its work spans prevention training, earlier identification through schools and other agencies, and trauma-informed support for survivors, including services at the Girls Rise Home.
  • It requests $25,000, (receiving $20,000), toward a $191,000 project. Its estimated reach of 72,100 largely includes media and digital exposure, alongside in-person events and training.
 
NFOAAY
  • Neighborhoods Focused on African-American Youth proposes expanding Community Study Halls at Elizabeth F. Canty Homes and Warren Williams Homes for an estimated 200 students and family members.
  • The weekday after-school program provides reading and math help, homework support, STEM activities, and character and life-skills workshops, with additional parent engagement.
  • It requests $187,659 , (receiving $15,000),toward a $219,622 project and aims to improve grades, school conduct, attendance, and parents’ involvement in their children’s education.
 
Omega
  • This shorter Omega Lamplighters form also states a goal of serving 100 young men in grades 3–12, including 15 elementary, 25 middle-school, and 60 high-school students.
  • It requests $68,300, , (receiving $30,000),with travel listed as the largest detailed expense at $43,000, followed by a $10,000 clothing allowance.
  • Its narrative and outcome fields are blank. Like the form reproduced in the longer packet, it lists $81,200 in expenses near the front but $94,200 on the detailed budget line.
 
Open Door
  • Open Door Community House expects its Mathews Promise Academy to serve 275 K–12 students through after-school academic support and an eight-week Summer Academy.
  • Students receive reading and math help, homework assistance, enrichment, and meals; the program also works with families, teachers, and counselors.
  • It requests $20,000 , (receiving $15,000),toward a $514,924 project and sets goals for grade-level reading, limited school absences, and advancement to the next grade or graduation.
 
Overflo '26
  • Overflo Outreach Ministries presents a four-part, $50,000(receiving $15,000) proposal covering youth support, workforce development, and community prevention events.
  • The plan allocates $12,500 to A Place for Peebles, $15,000 to an education, mental-health, and life-skills hub, and $12,500 to the Sweepers mentoring and career pathway program.
  • A further $10,000 would support community events, including school-supply and hygiene backpacks, haircuts, and youth recognition activities.
 
Right Start
  • Right from the Start proposes relationship, parenting, and family-strengthening education for an estimated 3,680 people across schools and community programs.
  • Its largest components are REAL Essentials in ninth-grade classes at nine high schools and All Pro Dad in eight elementary schools, alongside smaller programs for young men, parents, and adults.
  • The organization requests $32,040 (receiving $30,000)toward a $182,780 project, aiming to improve communication, conflict resolution, parenting, and family connections.
 
Safehouse
  • Safehouse Ministries proposes Back 2 Work & Off the Streets, a 10-week program for 10 people at the Freedom House emergency shelter.
  • Twice-weekly sessions would cover job readiness, leadership, financial literacy, accountability, and access to community resources.
  • It requests $6,545.25 (receiving $5,000)toward a $7,272.50 budget, with the goal of helping participants find work and permanent housing and spend less time in shelter.
 
Scouts
  • Scouting America’s Chattahoochee Council proposes reaching about 450 young people, primarily in south and east Columbus.
  • Its activities include STEM and law-enforcement career exploration, crime-prevention and safety learning, and a juvenile-diversion component emphasizing mentoring, conflict resolution, and service.
  • The council requests $35,000 (receiving $20,000)toward a $95,000 project to expand access, provide positive adult role models, and support youth leadership.
 
Second Chance
  • A Second Chance W.O.R.K.S. proposes serving about 1,700 students, parents, and guardians through schools, alternative settings, group homes, and community locations.
  • The program focuses on students facing repeated suspensions, pairing interventions with parent or guardian training and alternatives to exclusion from school.
  • It requests $150,000(receiving $10,000) toward $210,000 in listed expenses, aiming to improve attendance and academic progress while reducing repeat discipline and justice-system involvement.
 
Service for Humanity
  • Service For Humanity proposes a Sigma Beta Club mentoring program for 50 middle- and high-school boys in Muscogee County.
  • The program combines positive male role models with educational, cultural, social, athletic, and leadership activities intended to build character and discourage violence.
  • It requests $31,725 (receiving $78,000)toward $87,560 in listed expenses, with participant progress and school advancement among its measures of success.
 
STEAM Expo
  • Let’s Grow STEAMx proposes a college-and-career readiness program expected to reach 3,750 young people, primarily through a large Youth College & Career Expo.
  • Smaller POWER Workshops, Ready.Set.Summer activities, and Project MentorMe would provide more sustained planning, skill-building, and mentoring.
  • The organization requests $75,000 (receiving $15,000)to help participants explore careers and education, develop goals and portfolios, and understand scholarships and financial aid.
 
STEAM RACE
  • Let’s Grow STEAMx proposes River City Race to Readiness for about 550 participants, culminating in a gravity race day planned for May 2027.
  • Youth would design, build, and test model and full-scale gravity-powered cars while learning engineering, teamwork, and career-related skills; a fall pilot also proposes twice-weekly math and reading tutoring for 25 participants.
  • The application requests $46,750 (receiving $5,000)toward a $101,750 project, with goals spanning academic confidence, mentoring, and exposure to STEAM careers.
 
Take the City
  • Take the City/Harvest Movement proposes two connected efforts: regular neighborhood outreach and continued operation of Redeem Boutique, which supports women facing exploitation, addiction, abuse, or instability.
  • Trained volunteers would build relationships and connect residents to resources; the boutique would provide a safe setting, mentoring, life-skills support, and referrals.
  • The application requests $26,000 (receiving $15,000)toward a $67,000 project and estimates 1,500–2,500 people will be engaged over 12 months.
 
Truth Springs
  • Truth Spring seeks support for its 10-month, paid Trade School program for 20 adults facing employment barriers such as a criminal record, limited work experience, or lack of transportation.
  • Participants receive job-readiness training followed by paid apprenticeships in areas including construction, urban farming, and culinary arts, with access to certifications, GED preparation, and coaching.
  • The organization requests $60,000(receiving $60,000) toward a $608,868 project; its goal is to move graduates into stable, full-time work.
 
Turn Around
  • Turn Around Columbus proposes continuing the George Washington Carver Victory Garden & Farm as an outdoor learning site and youth-run agricultural program.
  • The farm combines elementary-school enrichment and mentoring with paid work-based learning for high-school youth, while growing healthy food for the surrounding community.
  • It requests $24,992(receiving $20,000) toward $49,992 in expenses and estimates more than 760 people will benefit—a figure that includes students, families, volunteers, and produce recipients or customers.
 
Voices of the Valley '26
  • Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus seeks to continue and expand its South Campus at Spencer High School, aiming to grow enrollment from 14 to 50 students.
  • The program would remain free for South Campus singers, covering tuition, uniforms, and materials while offering weekly rehearsals, peer mentoring, and joint performances with the Downtown Campus.
  • It requests $44,270.50(receiving $25,000) toward $58,270.50 in expenses. Its estimate of 800 beneficiaries includes singers, staff, and concert audience members—not 800 student participants.
 
Whole Person
  • Whole Person Ministry proposes a community-based mentoring program for 60 boys ages 10–18, with monthly sessions at Greater Peace Baptist Church.
  • The program focuses on character, academic and social development, and positive choices, drawing participants through school and community partnerships.
  • It requests $45,890(receiving $20,000) toward $163,480 in listed expenses, including personnel, learning materials, activities, and transportation.
 
Wright '26
  • Wright Way Fitness & Boxing proposes serving up to 100 youth and young adults annually, including about 65 consistent participants.
  • Its crime-prevention model combines boxing and mentoring with social-emotional skills, parent support, educational help, career exposure, and community service during after-school and evening hours.
  • The application requests $49,000(receiving $30,000) toward a $69,000 project, aiming to improve self-control, decision-making, school engagement, and access to positive opportunities.
 
YMCA
  • The YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus proposes its Achievers Program for 40 middle-school students at the A.J. McClung YMCA.
  • Working with school counselors, it would provide tutoring, mentoring, leadership and life-skills activities, and exposure to college and career pathways.
  • The YMCA requests $12,000, (receiving $10,000) with intended outcomes including stronger academic performance, confidence, social skills, and readiness for future education and work.
 
YOGC
  • The Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus proposes expanding its Youth Orchestra Academy for an estimated 50 students from Title I middle and high schools.
  • Selected students would receive orchestra instruction and participation at no cost, with transportation, instruments, coaching, and meals helping remove barriers.
  • The organization requests $25,000 (receiving $10,000)toward $35,750 in expenses, seeking to build musical skills, discipline, belonging, and access to arts education.
 
Young Life
  • Young Life seeks to strengthen two school-year programs: MentalitYLift, which helps high-school students plan for graduation and life afterward, and YoungLives, which mentors pregnant and parenting teens.
  • Activities include one-on-one mentoring, life-skills and career discussions, help navigating parenting and childcare resources, and development of a follow-on program for young mothers after graduation.
  • The application requests $15,000 (receiving $15,000)toward $59,240 in expenses and aims to reach more than 200 students and volunteers combined.

 

 

Office of Crime Prevention

Our Mission

The Office of Crime Prevention is an organization committed to enhancing the lives of the residents of Muscogee County through programing provided by organizations throughout Muscogee County. Through those efforts we strive to create a healthier community and enhance life for all citizens within those borders. It operates through collaboration, education, citizen programming and advocacy to preserve safe environments and communities for the citizens of Columbus.

Our Vision

A safe and crime free city that becomes the example for other cities to follow in a quest to be a better community.

Our Values
  • We believe the citizens are an integral part of the success of the Office of Crime Prevention.
  • We believe Crime Prevention starts with five key components.
    • Recreation
    • Education
    • Drug and Alcohol Intervention
    • Employment
    • Community Policing
  • We believe Crime Prevention starts at the grass roots level.
  • We value being consistent in our actions and vision.
  • We value respect in attitude and action.
Board Members

Updated list maintained by Clerk of Council »

Columbus Office of Crime Prevention

BUILDING SAFER
COMMUNITIES
BEFORE CRIME OCCURS

FY 2025-2026 COUNCIL COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

Exceptional Results from Council-Funded Prevention Programming

Forty-four prevention portfolios. Five connected pillars of public safety.

ENGAGE & EQUIP YOUTH

Safe time | tutoring | mentoring | sports | arts | leadership

STRENGTHEN FAMILIES & SCHOOLS

Restorative practice | parenting | fatherhood | child protection

BUILD OPPORTUNITY & REENTRY

GED | college | credentials | employment | tailored support

PROTECT & STABILIZE

Victim safety | shelter | housing | food | treatment connection

ACTIVATE NEIGHBORHOODS

Service | community leadership | gardens | trusted local partners

MEASURE & IMPROVE

Accountability | common outcomes | responsible stewardship | learning

Submitted to Columbus Council

Prepared by the Columbus Office of Crime Prevention
September 2026

Prevention is public safety at its best

A citywide prevention infrastructure

Council funding has built far more than a collection of activities. It has built a coordinated prevention infrastructure that surrounds residents with safe places, trusted adults, educational pathways, family support, victim protection, practical assistance, and second chances before risk becomes crisis and crisis becomes crime.

The Office of Crime Prevention is proud to present the FY 2025-2026 results of Columbus' funded community programming. The expanded record reviewed for this report includes 44 distinct prevention portfolios. Together, these partners reached children, teenagers, pregnant and parenting students, parents, survivors, fathers, returning citizens, incarcerated residents, disconnected young adults, and households facing immediate hardship.

The work is both broad and practical. Young people received tutoring, literacy instruction, sports, music, mentoring, leadership development, social-emotional learning, transportation, meals, childcare, essential baby supplies, and safe supervision. Families received evidence-based strengthening services, restorative school interventions, child-abuse prevention training, legal help, and concrete support. Adults pursued GEDs, college, certifications, trades, employment, treatment, and successful reentry. Survivors received shelter, advocacy, housing assistance, safety planning, and pathways to independence. Reports also document adult literacy, career-expo and gravity-racing STEAM programming, after-school workforce preparation, family relationship education, community orchestra access, and human-trafficking prevention and advocacy.

The results are exceptional. Partners reported strong program retention, thousands of hours of structured youth engagement, grade promotion and degree completion, GED attainment, industry credentials, employment advancement, reduced repeat court involvement, family-program graduation, treatment and shelter connections, family preservation, victim stabilization, and substantial value leveraged from volunteers and community partners. The Office also demonstrated good stewardship by reviewing program changes, redirecting resources when circumstances required it, and maintaining a diversified portfolio that can address different risks at different stages.

Community Impact Report  •  2
A large audience of students seated in an event hall

Prevention does not replace enforcement. It makes enforcement less necessary by changing the conditions that allow violence, delinquency, victimization, and repeated system involvement to take root. Columbus Council should be proud of this investment. The Office and its partners are doing the difficult, patient, neighborhood-level work that keeps people safe, strengthens accountability, and creates lawful paths to stability and success.

The next step is to preserve this strong portfolio while improving shared measurement, cross-program referral, and longer-term follow-up. That combination, continued investment and disciplined evaluation, will allow Columbus to protect the gains documented here and demonstrate an even clearer return to residents and taxpayers. Current Georgia benchmarks reinforce the stakes: juvenile recidivism is 36.36% over three years under DJJ's adjudication/conviction definition, while an illustrative chronic criminal career beginning in adolescence can consume more than $836,900 in directly modeled public costs before many police, court, supervision, and victim-related government expenses are counted.

Seth Brown

Director, Columbus Office of Crime Prevention

Community Impact Report  •  3

Report Guide

Contents

Contents
PageSectionDescription
5Executive SummaryThe case for the Office and the results Council should know first
6Results at a GlancePortfolio breadth and standout FY2026 proof points
8The Five-Pillar Prevention StrategyHow funded programs work together to make Columbus safer
9Portfolio Results by PillarYouth, families, opportunity, stability, and neighborhood capacity
21Stewardship and MeasurementLeverage, adaptation, accountability, and the next measurement standard
23Program ProfilesForty-four funded prevention portfolios
33Outside EvidenceResearch supporting the strategies Council funded
37Council PrioritiesRecommended actions to sustain and strengthen the portfolio
38Data NotesHow to interpret provider-reported results responsibly
38Local Source RegisterAll 44 submitted program files reviewed
40Research ReferencesOutside studies cited in this report

How to read the results

Local figures come from partner-submitted reports and use different units: unique residents, families, program participants, service contacts, activity hours, events, or monthly participation counts. They are presented side by side and are not added into one portfolio total. Outside studies show that the funded strategies are consistent with the broader evidence base; they do not convert local outputs into a claimed number of crimes prevented.

Community Impact Report  •  4

Council funded an exceptional, strategically balanced prevention portfolio

The FY2026 record shows our Office reached residents before delinquency, during family strain, after victimization, at educational crossroads, and as justice-involved residents prepare to rebuild their lives.

The central finding

The Office of Crime Prevention is delivering exactly what a modern prevention office should deliver: a coordinated network of trusted organizations that changes the conditions associated with offending, victimization, and repeated system involvement. The funded portfolio creates structure and belonging for young people, strengthens families and schools, opens educational and employment pathways, protects victims, stabilizes households, and builds neighborhood capacity. The fiscal case is equally practical: Georgia currently spends about $31,614 for one adult state-prison year, and a weighted FY2025 secure-juvenile-system spending benchmark is approximately $234,880 per occupied youth-year. Prevention is therefore not only a social investment; when it reduces deep justice-system involvement, it can protect substantial public resources.

What Council investment accomplished

  • Exceptional breadth: 44 distinct portfolios spanning early childhood through adulthood and prevention through reentry.
  • Meaningful depth: programs delivered recurring after-school and summer schedules, family and parenting cohorts, intensive GED and trade training, sustained music rehearsals, adult literacy instruction, career and college exposure, gravity-racing engineering, individual advising, correctional credentials, and long-term survivor advocacy.
  • Strong outcomes: providers reported grade promotion, reading growth, graduation, GED attainment, bachelors degrees, industry credentials, employment advancement, family-program completion, reduced repeat court involvement, treatment and shelter placement, youth career exposure, adult literacy gains, trafficking-prevention education, and family preservation.
  • Focused access: funding removed barriers through transportation, meals, testing fees, tools, uniforms, scholarships, childcare, legal assistance, emergency aid, and tuition-free participation.
  • Neighborhood trust: many funded organizations work directly inside schools, public-housing communities, recreation centers, churches, shelters, jails, prisons, and neighborhood gathering places where residents already have relationships.
  • Responsible adaptation: when enrollment or site conditions changed, partners and the Office adjusted plans rather than continuing ineffective spending.
  • Local educational strength: MCSD reached a 96.1% four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2025, 8.9 percentage points above Georgia's 87.2% rate; all nine district high schools were at or above 92%.
  • Clear risk-and-cost benchmark: Georgia's latest published juvenile recidivism rate is 36.36% over three years, and the first year after release accounts for most recidivism events - a strong case for front-loaded mentoring, family support, education, employment, treatment, and case management.

A glowing result, stated responsibly

The reports do not support one causal estimate of crimes prevented across the entire portfolio. They do support a powerful conclusion: Columbus funded well-established prevention strategies, partners delivered those strategies at meaningful scale, and providers reported substantial progress on the educational, behavioral, family, employment, recovery, and safety outcomes those strategies are designed to influence.

Community Impact Report  •  5

Results at a Glance

Portfolio reach and standout FY2026 proof points

2,788 books distributed Literacy Alliance
24,166 community members reached
2,082 victims served
2,998 individuals receiving food assistance
$164,823 grant-year economic impact CarePortal on a $15,000 City award
182 industry certifications earned Columbus Technical College
15,282.5 literacy, STREAM, and economic-literacy hours
2,820 summer reading and math hours
513 farm and service engagements Turn Around Columbus
350+ youth served through Scoutreach More than 250% participation growth
279 girls served Girls Inc.
217 children engaged through tennis CORTA TennisWorks!
173 youth served Boyz 2 Men programs
135 incarcerated residents trained Columbus Technical College
108 fathers receiving legal assistance Legitimation Station
2,886 MCSD students served Let's Grow STEAMx Readiness Program
1,200 people reached through trafficking education Micah's Promise
600 mini-car participants River City Race Program reported total
Community Impact Report  •  6

Results at a Glance

Additional indicators of progress

100% grade promotion Mathews Promise: 67 of 67 after-school students
87% reading at or above grade level Mathews Promise: 58 of 67 K-8 students
97% fewer than 10 school absences Mathews Promise: 65 of 67 students
162.5% one-year participation growth Youth Orchestra Academy: 8 to 21 students
90% family-program graduation Family Matters: 30 referred families
95% reduction in repeat court involvement Boyz 2 Men provider-reported indicator
82% ten-month trade-school completion Truth Spring: 14 of 17 enrollees
13 + 15 GED earners plus students one test away Goodwill BRIDGE: 44 enrolled
78% higher-wage or benefit employment BETTER WORK graduates within 3 months
9 degrees completed Columbus Scholars: 4 high school, 5 bachelor degrees
97 women entering addiction treatment Redeem Boutique
177 shelter placements Redeem Boutique
725+ pounds of produce harvested Turn Around Columbus farm
624 people served CarePortal
88.98% CarePortal requests met Family preservation and crisis response
15 donated instruments Columbus Community Orchestra provider-reported total
1620 adult-literacy class hours Literacy Alliance
16 teens served YMCA Teen Achievers after-school program
Community Impact Report  •  7

Prevention Framework

Five connected pillars make the portfolio stronger than any single program

Crime and victimization emerge from multiple, overlapping risks. A serious prevention strategy therefore cannot rely on one age group, one service, or one institution. The Office has assembled five complementary pillars. Residents may enter through one program and benefit from several others as their needs change.

1  ENGAGE & EQUIP YOUTH

Fill high-risk hours with safe supervision, academic support, mentoring, sports, arts, leadership, positive peers, and meaningful achievement.

2  STRENGTHEN FAMILIES & SCHOOLS

Replace exclusion and disconnection with restorative accountability, parenting skills, father involvement, family bonding, and adults trained to protect children.

3  BUILD OPPORTUNITY & REENTRY

Convert educational and employment barriers into GEDs, college pathways, portable credentials, professional networks, treatment connection, and lawful income.

4  PROTECT & STABILIZE

Interrupt violence and crisis through shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning, housing, food, transportation, clothing, household goods, and recovery support.

5  ACTIVATE NEIGHBORHOODS

Build civic leadership, service, food production, healthy recreation, volunteer networks, and trusted community institutions that make neighborhoods stronger.

Cross-cutting strength: access and accountability

The Office does more than pay for program content. Grants fund the practical infrastructure that makes completion possible - transportation, meals, testing, tools, uniforms, scholarships, staff, childcare, and emergency assistance - while reporting requirements create a foundation for accountability and continuous improvement.

Community Impact Report  •  8

Pillar 1

Engage and equip youth

Columbus partners are giving young people safe places, strong adults, academic challenge, creative outlets, physical activity, and visible pathways to achievement.

15,282.5 girls programming hours Girls Inc. delivered literacy, STREAM, and economic literacy.
217 tennis participants CORTA combined after-school and summer access with academics and meals.
141 summer learners Mathews Promise completed 1,410 reading and 1,410 math hours.
2,886 MCSD students served Let's Grow STEAMx Readiness Program
600 mini-car participants River City Race hands-on STEAM engagement
16 Teen Achievers served A.J. McClung YMCA after-school program

What excellence looked like

  • Mathews Promise reported that all 67 after-school students advanced to the next grade, 87% were reading at or above grade level, and 97% missed fewer than ten school days.
  • The Youth Orchestra Academy expanded from 8 to 21 Title I students, completed 25 rehearsals and 3 concerts, and advanced several students into the higher-level Symphonic Orchestra.
  • Scoutreach grew to more than 350 youth while maintaining reported retention above 80%; 37 adults completed Youth Protection Training.
  • CORTA provided 33 weeks of after-school clinics, specialized clinics for girls at the Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home, summer camps, healthy food, and 474 volunteer hours.
Community Impact Report  •  9
Youth gathered around a gravity-racing car with a mentor
  • Voices of the Valley opened a tuition-free South Campus at Spencer High School; every South Campus student received tuition, uniform, and materials assistance.
  • Neighborhood and school-based programs such as NFOAAY, Omega Lamplighters, Men Act This Way, Sigma Beta Club, FAITH Young Ambassadors, YoungLives, and MentalitYLift combined academics and life skills with leadership, service, character, mental-health awareness, parenting support, cultural exposure, and recognition.
Community Impact Report  •  10
Young people holding milestone signs during a church program
  • Reports add 2,886 students reached through Let's Grow STEAMx career-readiness programming, 600 mini-car participants in River City Race, 16 teens in YMCA Teen Achievers, supervised homework support through Children 1st, and donated instruments and 243 music books through the Columbus Community Orchestra.
Community Impact Report  •  11
Girls Inc. participants and staff in a gym

Why this matters for public safety

Structured programs work best when they do more than occupy time. The strongest local programs combine supervision with skill-building, caring relationships, clear standards, and opportunities to succeed. That design strengthens school engagement, self-control, belonging, and future orientation - protective factors directly relevant to delinquency prevention.

Local benchmark: MCSD's 2025 graduation rate reached 96.1%, compared with 87.2% statewide. Protecting school attendance, credit accumulation, graduation, and GED completion is therefore both a youth-development and public-safety priority.

Community Impact Report  •  12

Pillar 2

Strengthen families and schools

The Office is helping schools respond constructively, parents set effective boundaries, fathers establish legal connections, and adults recognize and prevent child abuse.

Families, fathers, and children gathered in a classroom
30 families served Family Matters delivered three ten-week Strengthening Families cohorts.
108 fathers assisted Legitimation Station provided attorney-supported legal access.
30% participation growth BTWCC expanded Stewards of Children training.
7 schools with All Pro Dad Highest monthly school count reported by Family FIRST
10 parenting-course graduates Raising Highly Capable Kids
30 couples engaged Amazing Marriage Chase relationship event

What excellence looked like

  • Family Matters reported a 90% graduation rate and improvements in communication, monitoring, boundaries, decision-making, and accountability among court-referred families.
  • Boyz 2 Men reported high engagement and a 95% reduction in repeat court involvement among its court-connected indicator group, alongside academic and behavioral progress.
  • A Second Chance W.O.R.K.S. and F.L.O.W. offered restorative, social-emotional, and academic interventions in lieu of unproductive suspension time; provider tables showed few repeat offenders and declining school suspension comparisons.
  • Legitimation Station helped 108 low-income fathers prepare filings needed to pursue legal fatherhood, visitation, and custody rights with support from an attorney and trained volunteers.
Community Impact Report  •  13
  • BTWCC trained adults across schools, faith organizations, social services, foster care, and youth-serving agencies. Most participants reported greater confidence recognizing abuse, understanding reporting duties, and taking preventive action.
  • YoungLives supported pregnant and parenting teens through school-based Lunch & Learns, one-on-one mentoring, transportation, childcare, meals, essential baby supplies, special events, and a scholarship-supported summer camp experience.
  • Right from the Start extended family-strengthening work through All Pro Dad at as many as seven schools, Raising Highly Capable Kids, relationship education, and REAL Essentials; 10 participants graduated a March parenting cohort and 30 couples joined the Amazing Marriage Chase.

Why this matters for public safety

Stable, attentive family relationships and constructive school responses reduce isolation and improve supervision, communication, accountability, and problem-solving. These programs intervene early, when changes in family functioning and school engagement can still redirect a young person away from deeper system involvement.

Recidivism benchmark: Georgia's latest published three-year juvenile recidivism rate is 36.36%; 24.14% of the full release cohort recidivated in year one. Family and school interventions are especially valuable when they prevent deeper system involvement or support the first year after court contact.

Community Impact Report  •  14

Pillar 3

Build opportunity and successful reentry

Education, credentials, employment, and individualized support give residents a lawful pathway to stability and reduce the barriers that often follow school disconnection or incarceration.

182 industry certifications Columbus Technical College trained 135 prison residents.
44 BRIDGE GED students 13 earned GEDs and 15 were one test away.
82% trade-school completion Truth Spring graduated 14 of 17 enrollees.
110 adult literacy students Literacy Alliance snapshot
140 class hours Reading, writing, math, and financial literacy
15 mentor hours One-on-one support outside regular class

What excellence looked like

  • Columbus Technical College fully deployed a $150,000 award to deliver forklift, OSHA-10, logistics, welding, plumbing, construction, and GED-related training. Tools and safety equipment become students' property at release.
  • Goodwill BRIDGE produced 13 GED earners in 16 weeks or less, moved 15 additional students to within one test of completion, and connected students to certifications, technical training, and military pathways.
Community Impact Report  •  15
Goodwill BRIDGE graduates in caps and gowns
  • BETTER WORK combined Jobs for Life instruction, coaching, volunteers, meals, childcare, transportation, employer exposure, and long-term follow-up. The provider reported 19 graduates and strong early employment advancement.
  • Truth Spring achieved 88% completion of initial training and 82% completion of its ten-month trade-school program. Five students earned GEDs, two were one test away, and the program renovated an affordable home.
  • Columbus Scholars sustained 45 students each quarter, selected eight new scholars, celebrated four high-school graduates entering Georgia colleges, and documented five bachelor degrees from institutions including Yale and Vanderbilt.
Community Impact Report  •  16
Two adult graduates holding their certificates
  • My Brother's Keeper served 45 youth and 14 adults, contributed $5,233 beyond its $10,000 City award, and identified more than 50 additional residents seeking mentoring, education, job-readiness, and reentry support.
  • The Literacy Alliance's snapshot documented 110 adult learners, with instruction in reading, writing, phonics, math, career planning, budgeting, net worth, and emergency savings.

Why this matters for public safety

The strongest opportunity programs do not rely on job placement alone. They combine education, credentials, coaching, transportation, tools, relationships, treatment or family support, and follow-up. This matches the broader evidence that services are more effective when they fit a participant's actual risks and needs.

Economic benchmark: In 2025, workers with a high-school diploma had median weekly earnings of $966 versus $770 for workers without one. Georgia's published adult state-prison cost is $31,614 per offender-year, underscoring the value of education, credentials, employment, and successful reentry.

Community Impact Report  •  17

Pillar 4

Protect victims and stabilize households

The Office is helping residents move from danger and instability toward safety, housing, treatment, food security, family preservation, and independence.

2,082 domestic-violence victims served Hope Harbour
624 people receiving CarePortal support Family preservation and crisis response
313 Redeem Boutique visits Women in homelessness, addiction, trafficking, abuse, and crisis
1,200 people reached through education Micah's Promise, Oct. 2025-Mar. 2026
20+ advocacy cases Trafficking survivors and child-protection matters
16 staff members trained CSEC, TBRI, and MindSet frameworks

What excellence looked like

  • Hope Harbour combined emergency shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning, outreach, rapid rehousing, stabilization, and community education, while reaching 24,166 community members through 97 events.
  • CarePortal met 88.98% of reported requests, served 624 people, helped keep 20 children with family, supported 25 reunifications, and generated $164,823 in grant-year economic impact from a $15,000 City award.
  • The Columbus Dream Center exceeded its original goals, serving 1,014 families and 2,998 individuals with groceries, 2,734 meals, 553 holiday gifts, school supplies, clothing, hygiene products, and case-management connections.
  • Redeem Boutique served approximately 150 unique women, recorded 313 visits, helped 97 women enter addiction treatment, made 177 shelter placements, and provided 253 rides. The provider also documented extensive outreach and follow-up activity outside the Boutique.
  • Micah's Promise reported approximately 1,200 people reached through trafficking education, more than 1,500 through outreach and public initiatives, advocacy across 20+ cases, and continued development of the trauma-informed Girls Rise residential program.

Why this matters for public safety

Victim safety, housing, treatment, food, transportation, and concrete support are not secondary to crime prevention. They interrupt repeat victimization, survival-based offending, family separation, homelessness, probation violations, and the escalation of domestic violence. These programs make safety practically possible.

Community Impact Report  •  18

Pillar 5

Activate neighborhoods and civic leadership

Neighborhood safety grows when residents have visible community institutions, purposeful service, healthy gathering places, and young people who see themselves as contributors.

Young men in matching purple shirts standing in a ballroom
513 farm and service engagements Turn Around Columbus, January-June 2026
2,057 documented engagement hours Hope Dealers, students, volunteers, families, and visitors
725+ pounds of produce Plus 62 dozen eggs shared through community channels

What excellence looked like

  • Turn Around Columbus operated a youth-centered victory garden and farm with 22 Hope Dealers, 107 volunteers, 123 students, 21 raised beds, and a network of 32 partners. Fresh produce and eggs were distributed to seniors, cancer survivors, families, and community markets.
  • East Carver Heights combined Path to Shine mentoring, Boxwood Soccer, and family health and nutrition support in South Columbus. Eleven trained mentors served eleven students, every Path to Shine student advanced, and soccer provided structured neighborhood recreation at meaningful scale.
Community Impact Report  •  19
  • Overflo Outreach used fishing, life-skills workshops, leadership seminars, barbering and entrepreneurship exposure, family bonding, reading, service, and recognition to engage youth.
  • Across the portfolio, scouting, fraternity mentoring, youth ambassadors, public-housing study halls, recreation programs, and church-based initiatives converted volunteer time and civic relationships into direct youth development and neighborhood service.
Girls in matching shirts in front of a colorful mural

Why this matters for public safety

Neighborhood programs build informal social control the old-fashioned way: adults know young people, young people serve others, shared spaces are active, and residents have trusted places to turn. That civic fabric is difficult to measure in one statistic, but it is essential to durable prevention.

Community Impact Report  •  20

Stewardship and Measurement

The Office is multiplying public value while strengthening accountability

Public dollars unlocked additional value

  • CarePortal reported $164,823 in grant-year economic impact from a $15,000 City award, mobilizing churches, volunteers, and community partners.
  • The Columbus Community Center combined a $20,000 grant with its own resources to support $45,295 in after-school and STEAM summer programming.
  • My Brother's Keeper added $5,233 in program resources beyond the $10,000 City grant.
  • CORTA documented 474 volunteer hours; East Carver, Scoutreach, Sigma Beta Club, Men Act This Way, Turn Around Columbus, and others mobilized mentors, coaches, professionals, churches, schools, and civic groups.
  • Many providers removed participation barriers through donated food, clothing, instruments, tools, uniforms, transportation, tutoring, family support, and professional expertise.

Adaptation was a sign of stewardship, not failure

The Columbus Community Center suspended an under-enrolled after-school component after health and enrollment challenges, notified the Office, and redirected remaining resources toward an intensive STEAM summer model after review. NFOAAY reported that renovation of the Warren Williams community room prevented operation at that site and concentrated delivery at Canty Homes. These examples show why strong grant management requires honest reporting and the flexibility to protect public value when conditions change.

Bottom line on stewardship

The Office is directing modest, targeted grants into a network that attracts volunteers, partner investment, facilities, professional expertise, and community trust. The portfolio demonstrates both compassion and discipline: it responds to immediate need while insisting on structured programming, documented activity, and measurable progress.

Public-value lens: Using current Georgia budget anchors, 30 occupied secure-juvenile days represent roughly $19,305 in system spending; one occupied secure-juvenile year about $234,880; and ten adult state-prison years about $316,140. These are scale benchmarks, not guaranteed cash savings from any single program, because many justice-system costs are fixed in the short run.

Community Impact Report  •  21

Public-Safety Context

Why prevention pays: current Columbus and Georgia benchmarks

The FY2026 program results become more meaningful when Council can see the local conditions, justice-system risks, and public costs that prevention is designed to change. These figures are context benchmarks; they do not claim that any one OCP grant caused the communitywide result or saved a precise dollar amount.

96.1% MCSD graduation rate
36.36% Georgia 3-year juvenile recidivism
$836,900+ Illustrative direct taxpayer cost

What the benchmarks tell Council

  • Education is a local asset worth protecting. MCSD's Class of 2025 graduation rate was 96.1%, versus 87.2% statewide. The Office's tutoring, mentoring, structured after-school time, GED, college, and career programs reinforce the protective conditions that keep young people connected to lawful opportunity.
  • The first year after justice-system release is the highest-risk window. In Georgia's FY2020 release cohort, 24.14% of all releases recidivated in year one and 36.36% within three years under the state's adjudication/conviction definition. That supports intensive early follow-up, family treatment, education, work, behavioral-health connection, and case management.
  • Chronic offending is expensive. A conservative illustration using current Georgia juvenile secure-custody, adult prison, and public-defense cost anchors produces about $836,920 in captured direct public cost for a chronic career beginning at age 13. A high-incarceration illustration exceeds $1.5 million, before many police, jail, prosecution, court, supervision, emergency-response, and victim-related government expenses are added.

Selected public-cost anchors

Public cost itemCurrent benchmarkPolicy use
30 occupied secure-juvenile days~$19,305Shows the scale of intensive prevention that may be justified by avoiding even a short secure placement.
One occupied secure-juvenile year~$234,880Illustrates the system resources tied to deep juvenile-justice involvement.
One Georgia adult prison year$31,614Useful benchmark for successful reentry and reduced reincarceration.
Ten Georgia adult prison years$316,140Shows how shortening a chronic incarceration trajectory can protect public resources.

Council takeaway: A prevention program does not have to avert an entire lifetime of crime to have fiscal value. Reducing enough detention days, repeat court involvement, prison admissions, or victimization can justify comparatively modest community-based investments.

Community Impact Report  •  22

Program Profiles

Forty-four portfolios delivering prevention where residents live, learn, work, and recover

The profiles below preserve provider terminology and report the strongest supported results without converting outputs into unsupported causal claims.

Youth learning, arts, sport, and safe out-of-school time

Programs in this group build academic skill, discipline, confidence, health, creativity, and positive peer relationships while keeping young people safely engaged.

CORTA TennisWorks!

Tennis, academics, mentoring, and healthy meals

  • 217 children ages 4-18 participated across the reporting year; 80 were unique after-school participants.
  • Summer programming recorded 205 participation slots, and after-school clinics operated for 33 weeks plus 11 clinics for the Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home.
  • The program documented 474 volunteer hours and distributed donated shoes and clothing so youth could participate safely.

Public-safety value: Provides structured supervision during high-risk hours while teaching physical, academic, and social skills.

Source: 2025-26 CORTA end of year report.docx; CORTA_Crime Prevention Grant Q4Report.docx

Youth Orchestra Academy

Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus

  • Served 21 middle- and high-school students nominated from Title I schools, up from 8 in the pilot year - a 162.5% increase.
  • Students completed 25 Monday rehearsals and performed in 3 season concerts at the RiverCenter.
  • Full scholarships, transportation, meals, instruction, and performance access removed financial and logistical barriers; several students advanced to the Symphonic Orchestra.

Public-safety value: Pairs high expectations and sustained practice with belonging, public achievement, and access to a high-quality arts pathway.

Source: 2026-07-30 CPG - Final Comprehensive Report.pdf; YOGC Crime Prevention Quarterly Report June 2026(1).pdf

Making Music Matters

Columbus Symphony Orchestra

  • Continued recurring violin instruction at two Girls Inc. sites and Open Door Community House with instruments supplied by the CSO.
  • Program materials emphasize CODA - Conduct, Order, Discipline, and Attitude - as a classroom standard.
  • The report also documented approximately 890 students reached through three educational outreach performances.

Public-safety value: Uses music instruction as a disciplined setting for persistence, self-control, teamwork, and positive identity.

Source: CSO Final.pdf

Girls Inc. Literacy, STREAM, and Economic Literacy

Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell

  • Served 279 girls: 168 in grades K-4 and 111 in grades 5-12.
  • Delivered 7,547 literacy hours, 7,032 STREAM hours, and 703.5 economic-literacy hours - 15,282.5 hours in total.
  • Programming combined direct reading support with science, technology, engineering, arts, math, vocabulary, and financial capability.

Public-safety value: Builds academic competence and future orientation while giving girls sustained, supervised access to enrichment.

Source: Girls Inc final.pdf

Community Impact Report  •  23

Kingdom Sports

Hope for Highland youth basketball

  • Launched a youth basketball league with 73 participants across two age divisions and consistent weekly practices and games.
  • Transportation support enabled attendance for youth with limited access, and the provider reported strong retention.
  • Coaches emphasized skill development, teamwork, confidence, sportsmanship, and communication with families.

Public-safety value: Provides structured recreation, positive coaching, and neighborhood access that strengthen belonging and prosocial behavior.

Source: Kingdom Final(1).docx

Columbus Community Center

After-school support and full-day STEAM summer camp

  • A $20,000 City grant supported a total program cost of $45,295 through additional Center resources.
  • After an under-enrolled after-school component was suspended, the Center and OCP redirected resources to a full-day summer program serving 14 campers.
  • Camp included STEAM engineering, chess, physical activity, meals, field trips, teamwork, and a 1:7 counselor-to-camper ratio.

Public-safety value: Shows adaptive grant stewardship while preserving safe, intensive summer learning and supervision.

Source: End of Year Report CCCenter Crime Prevention 30 Jul 26.pdf

Mathews Promise Academy

Open Door Community House after-school and summer learning

  • Collected school data for 67 after-school students; 58 (87%) read at or above grade level, 65 (97%) missed fewer than 10 days, and all 67 advanced.
  • Served 141 summer students who completed 1,410 reading hours and 1,410 math hours.
  • Provided transportation for 28 students, reserved places for shelter-involved children, and supported students with tutoring, STEAM, robotics, life skills, food, and enrichment.

Public-safety value: Combines dosage, academic monitoring, transportation, and safe care in a model designed to prevent school failure and unsupervised time.

Source: OD Final.docx

Voices of the Valley South Campus

Tuition-free performing arts access at Spencer High School

  • Opened a South Campus serving 14 Bella Voce students who faced financial or transportation barriers.
  • Every South Campus student received tuition, uniform, and materials assistance.
  • In a 23-student survey, 86.9% reported at least three weekly hours in supervised structured activity after participation, compared with 47.8% before participation.

Public-safety value: Expands equitable access to a disciplined, team-based arts setting while building confidence and connection across campuses.

Source: VoV Impact Report.pdf; vov final.pdf

YoungLives and MentalitYLift

Support for pregnant and parenting teens, plus senior transition and life skills

  • YoungLives delivered monthly club meetings, school-based Lunch & Learns at Jordan and G.W. Carver high schools, one-on-one mentoring, special events, and summer camp for pregnant and parenting teens.
  • Transportation, childcare, meals, diapers, wipes, blankets, books, pajamas, and other essentials removed participation barriers; the annual report does not provide an unduplicated YoungLives participant count.
  • MentalitYLift provided emotional intelligence, coping, communication, leadership, professionalism, workplace readiness, and decision-making instruction; 46 seniors completed the program.

Public-safety value: Strengthens school engagement, parenting stability, emotional regulation, caring-adult relationships, and two-generation future orientation.

Source: mentality-lift.pdf; Young Life EoY.pdf

Community Impact Report  •  24

Project Ready 706

Urban League college, career, and life readiness

  • Reported 101 participants: 32 male, 68 female, and 1 undisclosed; 82 were ages 15-17 and 19 were ages 10-14.
  • Programming uses evidence-based social-emotional learning, academic support, college culture, mentoring, and workforce preparation.
  • The report includes a participant success story involving high-school graduation, a $1,000 scholarship, and continued education planning.

Public-safety value: Helps youth make informed choices and build a practical plan for education, work, and life after high school.

Source: ULRV_Project Ready706.pdf

Canty Community Study Hall

Neighborhood academic support by NFOAAY

  • Served 42 children from Pre-K through middle school through 160 after-school days and 20 summer days - 400 program hours.
  • Provider review of STAR data found that nearly all students improved reading and math competency; conduct grades did not always improve.
  • The Warren Williams location could not operate because of community-room renovation, so FY2026 delivery centered on Canty Homes.

Public-safety value: Brings no-cost tutoring, meals, STEM, life skills, and mentoring directly into a public-housing neighborhood.

Source: NFOAAY 2026 FINAL REPORT.pdf

Omega Lamplighters

Mentoring, academics, service, and cultural exposure

  • Submitted documentation includes academic and attendance charts for 43 respondents: 93.0% had at least one A and 81.4% had at least one B in the reported quarter.
  • The same charts show 88.4% reporting 0-3 tardies and 88.4% reporting 0-3 absences.
  • Activity records document mentoring, college and cultural exposure, community service, veterans support, and a toy distribution reaching 110 children.

Public-safety value: Combines academic expectations, positive male role models, service, and exposure to institutions beyond the immediate neighborhood.

Source: Omega Docs.pdf

Columbus Community Orchestra

Community performance, donated instruments, and school music access

  • Completed an eight-concert 2025-2026 season culminating in the "America at 250" concert.
  • Reported 15 donated used instruments transferred to local school band directors for distribution primarily to at-risk students.
  • The itemized report lists 243 music-method, theory, piano, and repertoire books for Rothschild Middle and Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts.

Public-safety value: Removes equipment barriers and connects students to disciplined ensemble learning, positive adult guidance, and public achievement.

Source: CCO 2025-26 City Grant Final Report.docx

Children 1st After School Program

Homework support and foundational academic skill-building

  • The report describes supervised academic support and homework assistance for students in Columbus.
  • The provider identified outreach, enrollment, and program visibility as next-step priorities.

Public-safety value: Provides supervised learning time and individualized academic help during hours when children may otherwise lack structured support.

Source: Children_1st_January 2026_Report.docx

Community Impact Report  •  25

Let's Grow STEAMx Readiness Program

POWER Workshops and Youth College and Career Expo

  • Reported 2,886 MCSD students served across 25 schools, including elementary and high-school cohorts.
  • Delivered 7 POWER Workshops and engaged 80 volunteers or mentors and 20 community partners or sponsors.
  • Fully expended a $5,000 award on an event-management platform and keynote speaker for the Youth College and Career Expo.

Public-safety value: Combines structured time, career exposure, adult mentorship, and concrete next steps that strengthen future orientation and accountability.

Source: Steam Expo EoY.pdf

River City Race Program

Hands-on gravity racing, engineering, and youth mentorship

  • Reported 600 mini-car participants, including 77 camp participants and 523 community-exposure participants, plus 9 Try Gravity Racing participants.
  • Engaged 80 volunteers or mentors, 9 community partners or sponsors, and participants from 11 schools or organizations.
  • Hosted the sixth annual River City Gravity Race at Lakebottom Park and prepared a winning champion for the International Soap Box Derby.

Public-safety value: Uses a safe, demanding project to build engineering skill, persistence, teamwork, adult connection, and pride in constructive achievement.

Source: Steam Race EoY.pdf

YMCA Teen Achievers

After-school mentoring, workforce readiness, and life skills

  • The A.J. McClung YMCA reported serving 16 teens through structured, supervised after-school programming.
  • Twenty-six teens registered for the summer Powered for Life component focused on professionalism, communication, conflict resolution, financial literacy, time management, and future planning.
  • The report sets targets of at least 85% regular attendance and 75% improved workforce and life skills.

Public-safety value: Fills critical after-school hours with consistent adults, workplace preparation, accountability, and positive peer engagement.

Source: YMCA EoY.pdf

Mentoring, leadership, family strengthening, and school connection

These programs build responsible relationships, improve communication and accountability, and strengthen the adults and institutions surrounding children.

A Second Chance W.O.R.K.S. and F.L.O.W.

Restorative intervention in lieu of suspension

  • Operated across reported middle- and high-school sites with certified educator consultants and SMART-goal modules.
  • Programming addressed choices, root causes, conflict resolution, attendance, grades, leadership, social-emotional learning, and parent-school connection.
  • Provider tables reported few repeat offenders and lower out-of-school suspension comparisons at listed campuses; the data do not establish that the program alone caused the changes.

Public-safety value: Keeps students connected to instruction while replacing exclusion with accountability, skill-building, and restoration.

Source: ASCW; FLOW 2025-2026 EOY Report(1).pdf

Community Impact Report  •  26

Boyz 2 Men Development and Family Matters

Mentoring, counseling, academics, and evidence-based family strengthening

  • Served 173 youth across MATCH after-school, GymRATZ summer, and court-connected Family Matters services.
  • Provider indicators show 75% academic improvement, 70% behavioral improvement, 90% positive engagement, and 95% reduction in repeat court involvement.
  • A supplemental report documents 30 court-referred families in three ten-week Strengthening Families cohorts with a 90% graduation rate.

Public-safety value: Addresses youth risk and family functioning together through tutoring, counseling, monitoring, boundaries, communication, and positive adult support.

Source: Boyz 2026 Final report.docx; Family Matters Program Final Report.docx

Men Act This Way

Whole-person mentoring for boys

  • Mentored 80 boys: 50 through school-based services and 30 through community programming.
  • Added three mental-health workshops, summer reading, writing and public-speaking instruction, IXL tutoring supported by 20 Chromebooks, entrepreneurship and AI exposure, community service, and cultural outings.
  • Teacher and administrator feedback described improved discipline and respectful conduct; the provider also documented numerous individual academic and citizenship recognitions.

Public-safety value: Surrounds boys with structure, high expectations, coping skills, academic support, cultural exposure, and responsible male leadership.

Source: Men Act-Whole Person EoY Report(1).docx

Scoutreach and Exploring

Scouting America Chattahoochee Council

  • Expanded Scoutreach to more than 350 youth in east and south Columbus - reported growth above 250% with retention exceeding 80%.
  • Thirty-seven adults completed Youth Protection Training, and youth received a tailored safety version.
  • Participants accessed STEAM, leadership training, food drives, crime-prevention seminars, career exploration, police-career pathways, and technical-college opportunities.

Public-safety value: Pairs consistent adult leadership and character development with safety training, service, career exposure, and progressive responsibility.

Source: Scouts Final Grant Reporting(1).pdf

Sigma Beta Club

Service for Humanity and Phi Beta Sigma mentoring

  • Fifteen boys ages 11-17 participated with support from 12 certified advisors.
  • All club members were promoted; the report highlights generally strong grades, one perfect GMAS math score, and two seniors preparing for college.
  • Activities included leadership, business meetings, budgeting, STEM, community service, civic and cultural events, transportation, suits, and recognition.

Public-safety value: Introduces boys to professional men who model service, financial responsibility, leadership, and educational ambition.

Source: Service for Humanity Final Activity Report.pdf

Community Impact Report  •  27

FAITH Young Ambassadors

Academic coaching, service, safety, and leadership

  • The provider reports 100% senior graduation and college enrollment, 90% of participants maintaining a 3.0+ GPA, and a 3.2 cohort GPA; the report does not state the denominator for these percentages.
  • Seventy-five percent reportedly completed CPR/First Aid, 60% completed suicide-prevention and mental-health awareness training, and all completed a Black History research project.
  • Young Ambassadors served 50+ families through a food pantry, 100+ families during Kindness Day, and four families through senior weather-preparedness outreach.

Public-safety value: Connects academic excellence with practical service, health and safety knowledge, and visible leadership in the community.

Source: Young Ambassador-FAITH EoY.pdf

Stewards of Children

Building Towards Wellness Community Coalition

  • Participation increased 30% compared with the prior year.
  • Training reached school personnel, faith organizations, parents, caregivers, youth-serving agencies, foster-care professionals, and community volunteers.
  • Most participants reported increased confidence recognizing abuse, understanding reporting responsibilities, and taking preventive action; new content addressed boundaries, online safety, grooming, trusted adults, and reporting.

Public-safety value: Expands the number of adults equipped to prevent, recognize, and respond responsibly to child sexual abuse.

Source: BTW Final Report 2026.docx

Legitimation Station

Legal assistance for low-income fathers

  • Assisted 108 fathers during the fiscal year, including 37 from January through May 2026.
  • A Georgia-licensed attorney and 3-6 consistent volunteers helped fathers prepare Superior Court filings.
  • A $15,000 grant supported legal access for fathers who otherwise might be unable to pursue legal parenthood, visitation, and custody rights.

Public-safety value: Strengthens safe, responsible father involvement and the emotional, financial, and supervisory support available to children.

Source: Legitimation Station Report(1).docx; Legitimation Station Report.docx

Right from the Start - Family FIRST

Father engagement, parenting, relationships, and school connection

  • All Pro Dad operated at as many as seven schools during reported months, with additional expansion planned through churches and community organizations.
  • Ten women graduated the Raising Highly Capable Kids course in March; 30 couples participated in the Amazing Marriage Chase.

Public-safety value: Strengthens communication, parenting assets, father-child connection, and conflict-resolution skills that support stable families and safer school communities.

Source: RFTS Report EoY.docx

Community Impact Report  •  28

Education, workforce, college access, and reentry

These programs turn barriers into credentials, employment, education, and tailored support - the practical foundations of long-term self-sufficiency.

BETTER WORK Columbus

Jobs for Life workforce readiness

  • The report describes 107 service engagements across community and correctional settings and a detailed demographic cohort of 44 participants, including 24 justice-involved residents.
  • Nineteen participants graduated; four earned Guest Services Certification.
  • Provider outcomes include 100% of graduates leaving with employment goals and an action plan and 78% obtaining higher-wage or benefit employment within three months.

Public-safety value: Combines job skills with coaching, volunteers, transportation, childcare, meals, employer exposure, social capital, and long-term follow-up.

Source: BETTER WORK COCP Final Report_QTR 4_FY2026.docx(1).pdf

Columbus Technical College

Workforce training at Muscogee County Prison

  • Fully expended a $150,000 award to train 135 current prison residents.
  • Participants earned 182 certifications across forklift, OSHA-10, logistics, construction, welding, and related trades.
  • Student tools and safety equipment become the participant's property at release, supporting immediate transition into work.

Public-safety value: Provides portable credentials and equipment before release, reducing the time between reentry and lawful employment.

Source: FY26 Col Tech Crime Prevention Final Report.pdf

Goodwill BRIDGE GED Program

Fast-track education and post-GED pathways

  • Enrolled 44 opportunity youth and young adults ages 18-30.
  • Thirteen earned GEDs in 16 weeks or less; 15 more passed three of four required subtests and were one test away.
  • Nine graduates or advanced students completed, entered, or applied for workforce certifications or military service; more than 30 prospective students were waiting for access.

Public-safety value: Pairs academic attainment with case management, life skills, career counseling, and practical next steps after the credential.

Source: Goodwill Final.docx

Columbus Scholars

Long-term mentoring and college completion

  • Maintained services for 45 students each quarter and selected eight new eighth-grade scholars.
  • Four students completed high school and planned to enroll at the University of Georgia, University of North Georgia, Columbus State University, and Kennesaw State University.
  • Five participants earned bachelor degrees from Yale, Vanderbilt, Albany State, the University of Georgia, and Huntingdon College.

Public-safety value: Supports promising students from low-income, single-parent families through advising, enrichment, SAT/ACT preparation, and milestone support from middle school through college.

Source: Columbus_Scholars_End_of_Year_Report_2025-2026 (1).pdf

Community Impact Report  •  29

My Brother's Keeper

Youth prevention and adult reentry support

  • Reported 45 youth and 14 adult participants, plus more than 50 additional interested residents identified through a citywide job fair.
  • Services included mentorship, tutoring, recreation therapy, transportation, food support, job readiness, conflict resolution, family support, and civic engagement.
  • The program contributed $5,233 beyond its $10,000 OCP award; a projected 95% future engagement rate is a provider expectation.

Public-safety value: Provides wraparound, relationship-based support for residents facing the combined barriers of justice involvement, family strain, and limited opportunity.

Source: My_Brothers_Keeper_Final_Report_Final_Updated.pdf

Truth Spring Trade School

Ten-month construction training and community revitalization

  • Seventeen adults enrolled; 15 (88%) completed initial training and 14 (82%) completed the full ten-month program.
  • Of nine students entering without a diploma or GED, eight began GED coursework, five earned GEDs, and two were one test away.
  • Seven of 14 graduates were employed at graduation, the one-month employment measure was still pending, and the cohort renovated one affordable home.

Public-safety value: Combines full-time work habits, trade skill, coaching, GED access, and neighborhood improvement; current-year and historical outcomes are tracked separately.

Source: Truth Spring FINAL Report.pdf

Literacy Alliance Adult Literacy Class

Adult literacy, numeracy, financial capability, and mentoring

  • The report listed 110 adults, 66 middle school students and 24 pre-K.
  • Instruction covered reading, writing, phonics, math, career budgeting, net worth, and emergency savings; one learner completed Skill Level 4.
  • The Alliance also distributed 2,788 books through community book nooks, a health fair, and MLK Jr. Elementary School.

Public-safety value: Builds the basic skills and financial capability adults need for work, family stability, and constructive community participation.

Source: August 2025 Summary Lit All.pdf

Victim safety, family preservation, recovery, and basic-needs stability

These programs stop crises from escalating by making safety, shelter, food, treatment, transportation, and material stability available when residents need them most.

Hope Harbour

Domestic-violence safety, advocacy, housing, and education

  • Served 2,082 victims across the reporting year and reached 24,166 community members through 97 events.
  • Services included emergency shelter, legal advocacy, protective-order support, court accompaniment, safety planning, outreach, rapid rehousing, and stabilization.
  • The program helps survivors secure housing, employment, transportation, childcare, and financial independence while educating the wider community about warning signs and available help.

Public-safety value: Interrupts repeat and escalating violence while reducing homelessness, child trauma, repeated police calls, and barriers to independence.

Source: Hope Harbour Annual Report(2).docx

Community Impact Report  •  30

Columbus Dream Center

Food, meals, clothing, hygiene, and family support

  • Exceeded its goals by serving 1,014 families and 2,998 individuals with groceries.
  • Provided 2,734 meals, 462 clothing or hygiene supports, 53 free hair-care services for job opportunities, 100 back-to-school backpacks, and 553 holiday gifts.
  • The $15,000 grant was fully used by April 2026 while services continued through community partnerships and organizational resources.

Public-safety value: Reduces crisis, hunger, and financial stress while helping children return to school prepared and families maintain stability.

Source: CDC End of Year.pdf

CarePortal

Clement Arts family-preservation network

  • Met 88.98% of reported requests and served 624 people during the grant year.
  • Provider outcomes include 20 children kept with family, 25 reunified, 88 families strengthened, and support for 2 young people aging out of care.
  • A $15,000 City award helped generate $164,823 in grant-year economic impact and more than $507,000 in cumulative local impact.

Public-safety value: Mobilizes churches and volunteers to meet practical needs before a shortage of beds, utilities, transport, or household goods becomes a larger child-welfare or justice crisis.

Source: Clement Arts Report EoY.pdf; Year End Impact Report _ Clement Arts Report.pdf

Redeem Boutique

Crisis bridge for women facing homelessness, addiction, trafficking, abuse, and poverty

  • Served approximately 130-150 unique women, including 95 first-time visitors, and recorded 313 Boutique visits.
  • Helped 97 women enter addiction treatment, made 177 shelter placements, and provided 253 rides.
  • The provider also documented treatment applications, jail pickups, check-ins, outreach encounters, prayer walks, and Bible studies outside the Boutique; some figures may overlap with broader totals.

Public-safety value: Provides practical alternatives to survival-based crime, street exploitation, missed court or probation obligations, and repeated incarceration.

Source: Redeem Boutique EoY.pdf; Redeem Boutique-take the city Final Report.pdf

Micah's Promise

Human-trafficking prevention, survivor advocacy, and residential-care development

  • Reported 1,200 people reached through education and 1,500+ through outreach, media, and public initiatives.
  • Reported 20+ advocacy cases, 20+ remission assessments, 25 volunteers, and 16 staff trained in CSEC, TBRI, and MindSet.
  • The April-May update added more than 20 hours of survivor advocacy, child-safety intervention, a therapist, and the 13-month Girls Rise model.

Public-safety value: Links prevention education, victim protection, legal advocacy, and trauma-informed recovery for people at high risk of exploitation.

Source: Micah's Promise quarterly report; April-May update

Community Impact Report  •  31

Neighborhood development, civic service, and community capacity

These programs strengthen the visible, relational fabric of neighborhoods through service, healthy activity, food production, volunteerism, and trusted local leadership.

East Carver Heights CDC

Integrated mentoring, soccer, health, nutrition, and family engagement

  • Path to Shine served 11 students with 11 trained mentors, and every participating student advanced to the next grade.
  • Boxwood Soccer reported 70 spring registrants and a 50-child summer soccer camp, with uniforms, equipment, coaching, food, and family involvement.
  • The wider model connects youth mentoring, sports, family nutrition and health support, volunteers, and neighborhood events in South Columbus.

Public-safety value: Builds durable relationships and positive routines directly in a high-poverty neighborhood rather than expecting families to navigate disconnected services.

Source: East Carver Annual Report 2025 2026 final(1).pdf

Overflo Outreach

Youth empowerment, family bonding, life skills, and recognition

  • Programming included the Fisherman of Men event, leadership and personal-growth activities, grill safety and teamwork, barbering and entrepreneurship exposure, decision-making, reading, service, and awards.
  • The report provides strong activity documentation throughout multiple activities.

Public-safety value: Creates positive relationships and hands-on skill experiences that help youth see themselves as capable contributors.

Source: Overflo Outreach Report.pdf

Turn Around Columbus Victory Garden and Farm

Hope Dealers youth leadership and neighborhood food production

  • Documented 513 engagements and 2,057 hours from Hope Dealers, visitors, volunteers, families, and students during January-June 2026.
  • Harvested more than 725 pounds of produce and 62 dozen eggs across 26 vegetables and herbs for seniors, cancer survivors, families, and community markets.
  • Engaged 22 Hope Dealers ages 12-18, 107 volunteers, 123 students, 21 raised beds, and 32 partner organizations, 17 of which were active during the reporting period.

Public-safety value: Combines youth responsibility, agriculture, service learning, healthy food, volunteer leadership, and the activation of shared neighborhood space.

Source: Turn Around Final.docx

Community Impact Report  •  32

Outside Evidence

Research crosswalk: youth development and structured time

Outside studies do not prove local causation. They show whether the strategies funded in Columbus are consistent with rigorous research and where implementation quality matters.

Prevention strategyLocal examplesWhat outside research findsCouncil implication
High-dosage tutoringMathews Promise, NFOAAY, Girls Inc., CORTA, Goodwill, Children 1stA meta-analysis of experimental tutoring studies found an overall pooled learning effect of 0.37 standard deviations, with stronger average effects for teacher and paraprofessional tutors and in earlier grades (Nickow, Oreopoulos, & Quan, 2020).Protect consistent dosage, trained tutors, small groups, alignment with school content, and progress checks.
After-school personal and social skillsCORTA, Girls Inc., Open Door, Community Center, Children 1st, YMCA, STEAMxA meta-analysis found significant gains in self-perception, school bonding, positive social behavior, grades, and achievement when programs used sequenced, active, focused, and explicit skill-building (Durlak, Weissberg, & Pachan, 2010).Fund structured skill development, not supervision alone.
Direct delinquency and attendance effectsAll out-of-school-time programsA separate review of programs for at-risk youth found small, non-significant average effects on attendance and externalizing behavior and substantial variation across studies (Kremer et al., 2015).Require strong implementation, sufficient dosage, clear theory of change, and local outcome measurement.
Youth mentoringYoungLives, Men Act, Boyz 2 Men, Sigma Beta, Scoutreach, Omega, FAITH, YMCA, STEAMxA meta-analysis found significant positive effects across youth outcomes, with modest average effects and stronger results when relationship and program quality were high (Raposa et al., 2019).Protect screening, training, supervision, consistency, match support, and relationship duration.
Organized sportCORTA, Kingdom Sports, East Carver soccer, River City RaceA 2026 systematic review of 189 studies found sport participation consistently associated with higher self-esteem, belonging, prosocial behavior, and lower anxiety and depressive symptoms; team sport effects were often stronger, while observational confounding remains a limitation (Wade et al., 2026).Use trained coaches, inclusive access, positive climate, progression, and family connection.
Music and performing artsYOGC, CSO, Voices of the Valley, Columbus Community OrchestraA systematic review found educational music use can support emotional development, prosocial skills, and academic-related capacities, although studies vary in quality and design (Blasco-Magraner et al., 2021).Preserve sustained practice, ensemble belonging, performance goals, and equitable access.
Community Impact Report  •  33

Outside Evidence

Research crosswalk: families, schools, and child protection

Prevention strategyLocal examplesWhat outside research findsCouncil implication
Social-emotional learningW.O.R.K.S./FLOW, MentalitYLift, youth programsA meta-analysis of 213 school-based universal SEL programs found gains in social-emotional skills, behavior, attitudes, and academic performance (Durlak et al., 2011).Use explicit, sequenced skill instruction and monitor both behavior and school outcomes.
Restorative school practiceA Second Chance W.O.R.K.S./FLOWA randomized district evaluation reduced suspensions and improved teacher-reported climate, while academic findings were mixed and implementation quality varied (Augustine et al., 2018).Integrate with school discipline systems, train staff well, and track dosage and fidelity.
Family strengtheningFamily Matters, Boyz 2 Men, Right from the StartA randomized trial of a brief family intervention found lower aggressive and hostile behavior four years after baseline (Spoth, Redmond, & Shin, 2000).Keep parent and youth skill groups, joint practice, attendance support, and follow-up.
Father involvementLegitimation Station, All Pro DadA systematic review found predominantly positive associations between father involvement and child outcomes; longitudinal work with low-income families found greater nonresident father involvement predicted later decreases in delinquency (Sarkadi et al., 2008; Coley & Medeiros, 2007).Pair legal access with safe, responsible, sustained parenting involvement and family support.
Child sexual-abuse preventionStewards of Children, BTWCC, Micah's PromiseAn independent multi-site randomized trial found improvements in prevention knowledge and preventive behavior among childcare professionals (Rheingold et al., 2015).Expand trained adults and reinforce reporting, boundaries, grooming awareness, and online safety.
Expectant and parenting student supportYoungLivesA federal evaluation of the school-based New Heights program found significantly better school engagement and credit accumulation among parenting students, with a marginal graduation impact. A randomized parenting and life-skills trial improved maternal self-esteem and reduced repeat pregnancy (Asheer et al., 2017; Cox et al., 2019).Protect school-based contact, mentoring, parenting and life skills, childcare, transportation, meals, baby supplies, and case coordination; track attendance, credits, graduation, and postsecondary transition.
Community Impact Report  •  34

Outside Evidence

Research crosswalk: education, employment, treatment, and reentry

Prevention strategyLocal examplesWhat outside research findsCouncil implication
Education and crimeGoodwill, Columbus Scholars, Truth Spring, NFOAAY, Open Door, Literacy Alliance, STEAMx ReadinessCausal economic research finds that increased educational attainment reduces incarceration and arrest (Lochner & Moretti, 2004).Fund completion milestones - not enrollment alone - and connect credentials to next steps.
Intensive college advisingColumbus Scholars, Project Ready, STEAMx ReadinessA multisite randomized trial found that intensive, sustained advising increased bachelor-degree attainment among lower-income students, in part by improving college choice and fit (Barr & Castleman, 2025).Preserve individualized advising through application, financial aid, enrollment, and persistence.
Correctional educationColumbus Technical CollegeA RAND meta-analysis found correctional education participants had substantially lower odds of recidivism and higher odds of post-release employment; vocational education was associated with improved employment (Davis et al., 2013).Maintain portable credentials, tools, transition planning, employer connection, and follow-up.
Reentry service-need fitBETTER WORK, My Brother's Keeper, Truth SpringEvidence on employment programs alone is mixed. Analysis of a major reentry initiative found that better matching of services to participants' stated risks and needs was associated with lower self-reported and official recidivism (Gill & Wilson, 2017).Bundle work with education, housing, treatment, transportation, family, and case-management supports.
Drug courts and treatment linkageRedeem Boutique, reentry partnersA Campbell systematic review found adult drug courts reduced general and drug-related recidivism on average, with smaller effects for juvenile drug courts (Mitchell et al., 2012).Track treatment entry, completion, court compliance, housing, and recovery support separately.
Diversion and constructive alternativesW.O.R.K.S./FLOW, court-connected family programsA Campbell review found police-led diversion modestly reduced reoffending among low-risk youth compared with traditional processing (Wilson, Brennan, & Olaghere, 2018).Use proportionate, skill-building alternatives for appropriate youth and preserve accountability.
Community Impact Report  •  35

Outside Evidence

Research crosswalk: safety, housing, concrete support, and neighborhood conditions

Prevention strategyLocal examplesWhat outside research findsCouncil implication
Domestic-violence housing and advocacyHope HarbourDomestic Violence Housing First improved housing stability and reduced multiple forms of abuse over 12 months among survivors experiencing housing instability (Sullivan et al., 2023).Preserve flexible survivor-driven advocacy, legal support, housing help, and stabilization.
Homelessness interventionsHope Harbour, Redeem, Dream CenterA Campbell review of 43 randomized studies found that housing and case-management interventions generally improved housing stability and reduced homelessness compared with usual services, although evidence certainty varied (Munthe-Kaas, Berg, & Blaasvaer, 2018).Fund housing navigation, intensive case management, vouchers or flexible assistance, and follow-up.
Economic and concrete supportCarePortal, Dream Center, Hope Harbour, W.O.R.K.S.A systematic review found consistent favorable evidence that economic and concrete supports reduce child maltreatment and child-welfare entry (Cusick et al., 2024).Treat beds, utilities, transport, clothing, food, and flexible aid as core prevention tools.
Food insecurityDream Center, Turn Around, CORTA, Community CenterA systematic review links food insecurity with adverse behavioral, emotional, and academic outcomes in children (Shankar, Chung, & Frank, 2017).Pair food access with school, health, family, and case-management connections.
Vacant-land restorationTurn Around and neighborhood activationA citywide cluster randomized trial found that restoring blighted vacant lots reduced fear and, in lower-income neighborhoods, reduced several crime outcomes (Branas et al., 2018). The intervention is not identical to a youth farm, so the study supports the neighborhood-condition logic rather than a local effect estimate.Value active, cared-for neighborhood spaces while measuring use, maintenance, safety, and resident participation.
Community gardensTurn Around Columbus farmSystematic reviews associate community gardening with food access, social connection, education, and some psychosocial benefits, but evidence quality and equity of access vary (Hume et al., 2022; Huq & Deacon, 2025).Combine food production with inclusive participation, youth leadership, service, and durable governance.

Research findings describe study populations and interventions, not guaranteed effects for every local participant. The strongest Columbus evidence will come from pairing this research base with common OCP measures and longer-term follow-up.

Community Impact Report  •  36

Council Priorities

The case for sustained and strengthened investment is compelling

The FY2026 portfolio is producing the outcomes a prevention office should produce: young people safely engaged, students learning and graduating, families functioning better, victims protected, adults earning credentials, residents moving toward work and recovery, and neighborhoods building their own capacity. Council should preserve this system and improve it - not retreat from it.

  1. Sustain a diversified five-pillar portfolio. No single program can address every age, neighborhood, risk, or stage of crisis. The Office's strength is its balance.
  2. Protect the participation infrastructure. Transportation, meals, testing fees, tools, uniforms, tuition, childcare, and flexible aid determine whether residents can actually complete a program.
  3. We are building a formal cross-referral network. A GED student may need food or transportation; a survivor may need work and childcare; a youth may need family services. The portfolio becomes more powerful when residents can move through it intentionally.
  4. Encouraging honest adaptation. Partners should be expected to report obstacles early and adjust with Office approval rather than spend money on plans that no longer fit local conditions.

Council takeaway

The Office of Crime Prevention is doing excellent, consequential work. It is converting targeted public investment into safe time, stronger families, protected victims, educational success, employability, recovery, civic leadership, and hope. Continued support is warranted.

Community Impact Report  •  37

Data Notes

What the results do - and do not - represent

Reporting basis

This synthesis reviews 44 submitted OCP program files representing 44 distinct prevention portfolios

Time period

Most results cover July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Some reports use project periods immediately adjacent to the fiscal year or include current/planned activities. Those figures are described as reported.

Provider-reported data

Local figures come from grantee reports.

Overlap

Some residents may have participated in multiple programs. Some subgroups also overlap with a broader program total. Results are therefore presented at the program level.

Causality

Academic progress, lower suspension comparisons, employment, treatment entry, reduced repeat court involvement, and family outcomes are important.

Outside research

Research supports the logic of the funded strategies. It does not estimate the local effect size or the number of crimes prevented in Columbus.

Context benchmarks added in this edition: MCSD and Georgia graduation rates, Census/BLS education and earnings measures, Georgia DJJ recidivism outcomes, and Georgia justice-system cost anchors come from the supplemental September 2026 briefs and their cited public sources. They describe the environment in which OCP programs operate; they are not provider-reported OCP outcomes and are not used to claim a specific number of crimes or dollars saved.

Local Sources

All 44 submitted program files reviewed

No.Partner / ProgramSubmitted file
1CORTA TennisWorks!2025-26 CORTA end of year report.docx
2Youth Orchestra Academy2026-07-30 CPG - Final Comprehensive Report.pdf
3A Second Chance W.O.R.K.S.ASCW 2025-2026 EOY Report(1).pdf
4BETTER WORK ColumbusBETTER WORK COCP Final Report_QTR 4_FY2026.docx(1).pdf
5Stewards of Children / BTWCCBTW Final Report 2026.docx
6Boyz 2 Men DevelopmentBoyz 2026 Final report.docx
7Columbus Dream CenterCDC End of Year.pdf
8Columbus Community OrchestraCCO 2025-26 City Grant Final Report.docx
9Columbus Symphony OrchestraCSO Final.pdf
10Clement Arts / CarePortalClement Arts Report EoY.pdf
11Columbus ScholarsColumbus_Scholars_End_of_Year_Report_2025-2026 (1).pdf
Community Impact Report  •  38
No.Partner / ProgramSubmitted file
12East Carver Heights CDCEast Carver Annual Report 2025 2026 final(1).pdf
13Columbus Community CenterEnd of Year Report CCCenter Crime Prevention 30 Jul 26.pdf
14Columbus Technical CollegeFY26 Col Tech Crime Prevention Final Report.pdf
15Family Matters / Boyz 2 MenFamily Matters Program Final Report.docx
16Girls Inc.Girls Inc final.pdf
17Goodwill BRIDGE GEDGoodwill Final.docx
18Hope HarbourHope Harbour Annual Report(2).docx
19Kingdom SportsKingdom Final(1).docx
20F.L.O.W.FLOW 2025-2026 EOY Report(1).pdf
21Legitimation StationLegitimation Station Report.docx
22Men Act This WayMen Act-Whole Person EoY Report(1).docx
23My Brother's KeeperMy_Brothers_Keeper_Final_Report_Final_Updated.pdf
24NFOAAY Community Study HallNFOAAY 2026 FINAL REPORT.pdf
25Mathews Promise Academy / Open DoorOD Final.docx
26Omega LamplightersOmega Docs.pdf
27Overflo OutreachOverflo Outreach Report.pdf
28Right from the Start / Family FIRSTRFTS Report EoY.docx
29Redeem BoutiqueRedeem Boutique-take the city Final Report.pdf
30Scoutreach / ExploringScouts Final Grant Reporting(1).pdf
31Sigma Beta Club / Service for HumanityService for Humanity Final Activity Report.pdf
32Truth Spring Trade SchoolTruth Spring FINAL Report.pdf
33Turn Around ColumbusTurn Around Final.docx
34Project Ready 706 / Urban LeagueULRV_Project Ready706.pdf
35Voices of the ValleyVoV Impact Report.pdf
36Youth Orchestra AcademyYOGC Crime Prevention Quarterly Report June 2026(1).pdf
37Children 1st After School ProgramChildren_1st_EoY Report.docx
38FAITH Young AmbassadorsYoung Ambassador-FAITH EoY.pdf
39Young Life - YoungLives and MentalitYLiftYoung Life EoY.pdf
40Literacy Alliance / Adult Literacy ClassFinal Report Lit All.pdf
41Micah's PromiseOCP Report EoY Micahs.pdf
42Let's Grow STEAMx / Readiness ProgramSteam Expo EoY.pdf
43Let's Grow STEAMx / River City RaceSteam Race EoY.pdf
44YMCA Teen AchieversYMCA EoY.pdf
Community Impact Report  •  39

Research References

Outside studies cited

Asheer, S., Burkander, P., Deke, J., Worthington, J., & Zief, S. (2017). Raising the Bar: Impacts and Implementation of the New Heights Program for Expectant and Parenting Teens in Washington, DC. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health.

Augustine, C. H., Engberg, J., Grimm, G. E., Lee, E., Wang, E. L., Christianson, K., & Joseph, A. A. (2018). Can restorative practices improve school climate and curb suspensions? RAND Corporation, RR-2840-DOJ.

Barr, A., & Castleman, B. (2025). Increasing degree attainment among low-income students: The role of intensive advising and college quality. American Economic Review, 115(11), 4075-4103. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20240669

Blasco-Magraner, J. S., Bernabe-Valero, G., Marin-Liebana, P., & Moret-Tatay, C. (2021). Effects of the educational use of music on 3- to 12-year-old children's emotional development: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), 3668. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073668

Branas, C. C., South, E., Kondo, M. C., Hohl, B. C., Bourgois, P., Wiebe, D. J., & MacDonald, J. M. (2018). Citywide cluster randomized trial to restore blighted vacant land and its effects on violence, crime, and fear. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(12), 2946-2951. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1718503115

Coley, R. L., & Medeiros, B. L. (2007). Reciprocal longitudinal relations between nonresident father involvement and adolescent delinquency. Child Development, 78(1), 132-147. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.00989.x

Cox, J. E., Harris, S. K., Conroy, K., Engelhart, T., Vyavaharkar, A., Federico, A., & Woods, E. R. (2019). A parenting and life skills intervention for teen mothers: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 143(3), e20182303. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2303

Cusick, G., Gaul-Stout, J., Kakuyama-Villaber, R., Wilks, O., Grewal-Kok, Y., & Anderson, C. (2024). A systematic review of economic and concrete support to prevent child maltreatment. Societies, 14(9), 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14090173

Davis, L. M., Bozick, R., Steele, J. L., Saunders, J., & Miles, J. N. V. (2013). Evaluating the effectiveness of correctional education: A meta-analysis of programs that provide education to incarcerated adults. RAND Corporation. https://doi.org/10.7249/RR266

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., & Pachan, M. (2010). A meta-analysis of after-school programs that seek to promote personal and social skills in children and adolescents. American Journal of Community Psychology, 45, 294-309. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-010-9300-6

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students' social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x

Gill, C., & Wilson, D. B. (2017). Improving the success of reentry programs: Identifying the impact of service-need fit on recidivism. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 44(3), 336-359. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854816682048

Hume, C., Grieger, J. A., Kalamkarian, A., D'Onise, K., & Smithers, L. G. (2022). Community gardens and their effects on diet, health, psychosocial and community outcomes: A systematic review. BMC Public Health, 22, 1247. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13591-1

Huq, F. F., & Deacon, L. (2025). A systematic review of community gardens and their role in urban food security and resilience. Discover Sustainability, 6, 696. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01628-5

Kremer, K. P., Maynard, B. R., Polanin, J. R., Vaughn, M. G., & Sarteschi, C. M. (2015). Effects of after-school programs with at-risk youth on attendance and externalizing behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 44(3), 616-636. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-014-0226-4

Lochner, L., & Moretti, E. (2004). The effect of education on crime: Evidence from prison inmates, arrests, and self-reports. American Economic Review, 94(1), 155-189. https://doi.org/10.1257/000282804322970751

Mitchell, O., Wilson, D. B., Eggers, A., & MacKenzie, D. L. (2012). Drug courts' effects on criminal offending for juveniles and adults. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.4073/csr.2012.4

Munthe-Kaas, H. M., Berg, R. C., & Blaasvaer, N. (2018). Effectiveness of interventions to reduce homelessness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.4073/csr.2018.3

Nickow, A., Oreopoulos, P., & Quan, V. (2020). The impressive effects of tutoring on PreK-12 learning: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the experimental evidence. NBER Working Paper 27476. https://doi.org/10.3386/w27476

Raposa, E. B., Rhodes, J., Stams, G. J. J. M., Card, N., Burton, S., Schwartz, S., Yoviene Sykes, L. A., Kanchewa, S., Kupersmidt, J., & Hussain, S. (2019). The effects of youth mentoring programs: A meta-analysis of outcome studies. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(3), 423-443. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-019-00982-8

Rheingold, A. A., Zajac, K., Chapman, J. E., Patton, M., de Arellano, M., Saunders, B., & Kilpatrick, D. (2015). Child sexual abuse prevention training for childcare professionals: An independent multi-site randomized controlled trial of Stewards of Children. Prevention Science, 16(3), 374-385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-014-0499-6

Sarkadi, A., Kristiansson, R., Oberklaid, F., & Bremberg, S. (2008). Fathers' involvement and children's developmental outcomes: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Acta Paediatrica, 97(2), 153-158. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00572.x

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Shankar, P., Chung, R., & Frank, D. A. (2017). Association of food insecurity with children's behavioral, emotional, and academic outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 38(2), 135-150. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000383

Spoth, R. L., Redmond, C., & Shin, C. (2000). Reducing adolescents' aggressive and hostile behaviors: Randomized trial effects of a brief family intervention 4 years past baseline. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 154(12), 1248-1257. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.154.12.1248

Sullivan, C. M., Guerrero, M., Simmons, C., Lopez-Zeron, G., Ayeni, O. O., Farero, A., Chiaramonte, D., & Sprecher, M. (2023). Impact of the Domestic Violence Housing First model on survivors' safety and housing stability: 12-month findings. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38(5-6), 4790-4813. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221119520

Wade, L., Eime, R., Pankowiak, A., Vella, S., Robinson, K., Kennedy, S., Parkes, R., & Eather, N. (2026). The impact of sports participation on psychological health and social outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review and update to the Mental Health through Sport conceptual model. Systematic Reviews, 15, 121. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-026-03104-1

Wilson, D. B., Brennan, I., & Olaghere, A. (2018). Police-initiated diversion for youth to prevent future delinquent behavior: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.4073/csr.2018.5

Additional 2026 context sources

Muscogee County School District. (2025). Muscogee County School District Graduation Rate Continues Positive Trend. Class of 2025 four-year graduation rate: 96.1%.

Georgia Department of Education. (2025). Four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate. Georgia Class of 2025 rate: 87.2%.

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. (2024). Juvenile Recidivism Report. FY2020 release cohort: 36.36% three-year recidivism; 24.14% in year one.

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. (2025). Annual Report and Fact Book. FY2025 secure-detention and secure-commitment budget and average-population figures used for occupied-day/year spending benchmarks.

Georgia Department of Corrections. (FY2024). Allocation of Cost to Inmates, Probationers, Etc. State-prison cost: $31,614 per offender-year / $86.61 per day.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026). Education Pays, 2025. Median weekly earnings: $966 for high-school graduates and $770 for workers with less than high school.

U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2021). Profile of Prison Inmates, 2016. 62.3% of state prisoners reported less than a high-school education before admission.

Cohen, M. A., & Piquero, A. R. (2009). New Evidence on the Monetary Value of Saving a High Risk Youth. Office of Justice Programs summary reports $4.2-$7.2 million in study-period total societal costs for a high-risk youth with six or more police contacts; this is broader than taxpayer spending.

Research interpretation

The studies were selected because they directly address the strategies funded in Columbus and include systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized trials, comparative evaluations, or causal economic research. Several report mixed or modest average effects. That is a strength of this report, not a weakness: it shows why local program quality, dosage, implementation, access, and measurement matter.

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