Trenton Violence Reduction Strategy (TVRS) is a crime deterrence and community improvement initiative funded by The College of New Jersey, The Trenton Police Department and UIH Family Partners. Its design is a synthesis of the most effective components of three existing models; Project Safe Neighborhoods, Operation Ceasefire, and Chicago CURE, and tailored specifically for Trenton, with considerations of the capacity of local stakeholders.

The goal of TVRS is to end the cycle of violence and crime – one person at a time. This is done by targeting neighborhoods that are experiencing high levels of criminal activity, and inviting residents and their family members to participate in wrap-around social services to help clients set and meet goals focused on pro-social behavior.

Social workers take the lead in surveying, assessing and case managing families who agree to participate in TVRS with clear benchmarks established by and for individuals and their families. Our seasoned outreach workers are a team of highly respected community members who serve both as role models and partners in the journeys of program participants. Outreach workers encourage participants to refrain from illegal activities, take advantage of the social services offered in the program, and achieve their own self-indicated goals.  

Individuals who choose to be part of TVRS are offered a variety of program services including: Job Readiness Training and Employment Assistance, Tutoring for GED and all other academic and vocational programs, Life Skills Classes and Training,  Parenting Classes, and 1-on-1 and group support. These services are provided to the clients and their immediate family members and loved ones. However, TVRS is not open to the public. Clients are accepted by invitation only, and potential clients must be referred from the Trenton Police or a partnering agency and pending review (based on program criteria i.e., prior record, target/demographic area, etc.), they will receive a letter to attend our bi-annual “Call-in.”

The team of outreach workers, client service specialists and program partners of UIH Family Partners, Family Guidance Counseling services, Mercer County Community College, and several other social service agencies work together to help participants reach important milestones such as acquiring a high school diploma or starting college, completing certification classes, establishing healthy relationships with children and family members, or acquiring a legal job. Outreach workers serve as partners and a support system to clients, as most of them have first-hand knowledge of how difficult it can be to change your life and to abandon old habits.

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Path to Success

Once every fall and spring, selected candidates are invited to participate in a Call-in, which is typically held at the Galilee Baptist Church in Trenton. At the Call-in, representatives from the different organizations associated with TVRS outline their respective roles in the program. Candidates are asked general background information, and are then invited to schedule a session with Family Guidance in Hamilton, NJ for a clinical assessment and goal-setting session.

Following the Call-in, outreach workers are paired with program participants to continue communication and assist participants in attending their first appointment at Family Guidance. The assessment by Family Guidance is done within two weeks of the Call-in and serves as a roadmap for program participants – creating a prioritized list of needs which is shared (with participant consent) with the TVRS Coordinator and Social Services representative. During this time period program participants are also encouraged to attend an orientation to the program to learn about the different program components of TVRS and what the expectations are for participants.

After completing the Family Guidance Assessment and attending Orientation, participants enter the next phase of TVRS, which focuses on supporting the participant in the achievement of their own goals.