U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-6) announced Thursday that she secured $800,000 in federal funding for LIFE Camp, a gun violence prevention program based in southeast Queens.
To celebrate the monumental event, Meng held a press conference in front of the Bland Houses, located in Flushing. She was joined by LIFE Camp Founder and CEO Erica Ford and local government officials, including Council Member Sandra Ung (D-20) and public advocate and activist Jumaane Williams.
Meng said she was excited to partner with the organization to provide critical funding to make local communities safer. “LIFE Camp does important work to combat gun violence and I’m proud to have obtained this money so that its team can do an even better job and serve more residents throughout our borough,” said Meng. “We have to do all we can to save lives and protect our neighborhoods and future generations.”
Ford thanked Meng for helping to expand the vision of the organization beyond her community. “This funding fuels our momentum and enables us to create opportunities for young people to resolve conflicts positively, without turning to violence. That’s what is turning the tide on violence,” she said.
Founded in 2002, LIFE Camp’s mission is to provide youth and families in Southeast Queens impacted by gun violence with resources to stay in school and out of the criminal justice system. LIFE Camp offers an array of programs, including music and arts education, holistic wellness initiatives, mentoring and workforce development. It is known for its Peace Mobile mobile trauma unit, which assists those affected by gun violence.
