More than $533K awarded to expand summer programs for at-risk youth in Somerset, Sussex, Warren and other N.J. counties

NEW JERSEY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Thursday that more than $533,000 in grants have been awarded to police departments, schools, and nonprofit organizations across New Jersey to expand summer programs for at-risk youth.

The funds, distributed through the Youth Justice Commission (YJC) in partnership with the Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee, will provide up to $30,000 per recipient to enhance existing programs and increase youth participation during the summer months.

“Giving young people access to new experiences and the opportunity to gain new skills helps pave the way toward better futures,” Platkin said. “It can also provide the kind of structure and support that have proven to reduce crime during summer breaks.”

This year, 21 organizations and government agencies across 11 counties — including Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Monmouth, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren — were selected through a competitive application process. Funding for the initiative comes from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention’s Title II Formula Grants Program, which supports local delinquency prevention, diversion, treatment, and system reform efforts.

“Young people who have more access to learning and growth opportunities are more likely to have successful futures,” said Dr. Jennifer LeBaron, executive director of the YJC. “These grants allow our community partners to help reduce the likelihood of young people becoming involved in the youth justice system by offering positive and engaging opportunities during the summer months when school is out.”

The following grant recipients were announced:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County – $30,000 (Hudson County)
• Capital Harmony Works, Inc. – $30,000 (Mercer County)
• Center for Prevention & Counseling, Inc. – $29,440 (Sussex County)
• City of Camden – $28,575.90 (Camden County)
• City of East Orange Dept. of Health and Human Services – $30,000 (Essex County)
• Community Action Service Center – $23,900 (Mercer County)
• Garden State Equality – $30,000 (Monmouth County)
• Girls, Inc. – $29,997 (Camden County)
• Glassboro Child Development Centers – $29,987.20 (Gloucester County)
• Hamilton Area YMCA – $30,000 (Mercer County)
• Joseph Firth Youth Center – $27,196.32 (Warren County)
• Lower Township Police Department – $10,000 (Cape May County)
• Maplewood Police Department – $5,100 (Essex County)
• Middle Earth – $25,297.10 (Somerset County)
• Middle Township Police Department – $8,256.38 (Cape May County)
• Mighty Writers (North) – $29,019 (Essex County)
• Mighty Writers (South) – $30,000 (Atlantic County)
• New Community Corporation – $19,020.35 (Essex County)
• Timbuk2 Academy – $29,886 (Mercer County)
• Trenton Police Department – $29,724 (Mercer County)
• United Community Corporation – $28,200 (Essex County)

According to the Office of the Attorney General, the effort reflects the Murphy administration’s ongoing investment in youth safety, equity, and opportunity.