Philadelphia, PA − April 17, 2026 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2, Philadelphia) this week announced that more than $2 million in state funding has been awarded to organizations across the 2nd Senatorial District through the Commonwealth’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) and Building Opportunities Through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant programs.
The funding will support critical, community-based efforts, led by the following organizations, all of which are working on the frontlines to prevent violence, provide opportunity, and support young people across North and Northeast Philadelphia.
- 12 Plus ($500,000)
- Hopeworks ($500,000)
- Oxford Circle Christian Community Development ($500,000)
- PB&J of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia ($60,000)
- The Lighthouse ($500,000)
“These investments are about saving lives, strengthening communities, and creating real opportunities for our young people,” said Senator Tartaglione. “Violence prevention starts with meeting people where they are, providing mentorship, education, safe spaces, and pathways to success. I’m proud to help bring these resources back to the 2nd District and support organizations that are doing this work every single day.”
The VIP and BOOST programs, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), provide funding to address community violence and support at-risk youth through out-of-school programming.
VIP funding supports targeted strategies to reduce gun violence and other forms of interpersonal violence in communities most impacted, while BOOST grants invest in programs that provide safe, structured environments for young people outside of school; helping to prevent violence before it begins.
“Public safety is about more than enforcement; it’s about prevention, opportunity, and investment,” Tartaglione added. “By supporting these organizations, we are building stronger, safer neighborhoods and giving our young people the tools they need to succeed.”
Senator Tartaglione remains committed to advocating for resources that uplift communities, reduce violence, and expand access to opportunity across her district.
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