Applying Purpose and Passion to Service
For more information on the APPS program, call (614) 645-8430.
What is the APPS program?
Created in 2011,
by former Mayor Michael B. Coleman, the mission of the APPS program is to
reduce crime and violence by increasing protective factors in the lives of
Columbus youth and young adults (ages 14-23) through proven prevention and
intervention strategies. The initiative’s prevention strategies include
offering safe and constructive alternatives to violence while youth development
professionals provide mentorship through enrichment activities at four
community recreation centers. Our diligent mentors are able to assess
individual and family needs while being an ongoing advocate to ensure that a
young person and their family are linked to services that meet immediate needs
while providing long term support services for future goal attainment, which
ultimately produces productive contributing members of society.
APPS intervention strategies consist of street-level violence interruption and
conflict mediation teamed with case management and support services to address
the risk factors that can lead youth into a life of crime and violence. This is
put into practice by intervention specialists that build trusting relationships
with young people that are partially responsible for driving the violence in
our communities, directing them to healthy alternatives that have redeeming
value. Our trained intervention specialists have unique and diverse backgrounds
that have provided them with experiences that assist them in connecting with
today’s youth. Referrals can be made by phone at
614-645-8430.
HOW DOES THE APPS PROGRAM HELP?
The APPS Job Readiness Program is a fun, interactive and comprehensive workforce development program. In summer, 2020, two unique 8-week programs are available to 120 young people ages 14-23. Participants will work full time for the city, gaining practical work experience.
The traditional APPS job readiness program ensure youth are prepared to get, keep and excel at work. Content focuses on work readiness, digital citizenship, financial education, cultural sensitivity and leadership development
Cared Straight educates and mobilizes young people to address issues that impact our city. Youth who have participated in APPS for several years will work with a facilitator to create a new innovative APPS program. The new program will tackle the difficult issues such as health care disparities, gun safety, the impact of trauma, and interactions with law enforcement.
CAP CITY NIGHTS FESTIVALS
The summer festivals are a prevention strategy that aims to foster safe and healthy community relationships by bringing together neighborhood residents, worshipers, service providers and business owners. Festival activities encourage relationship building among families and neighbors, thereby strengthening community ties and empowering the community to work together to reduce violence while creating a platform of trust to produce positive change. Festivals are themes, highlighted with free food, live entertainment, and a host of games and activities for the entire family.
In 2020, the Cap City Nights Festivals will be replaced with the APPS Community Re-engagement Tour. The tour kicks off in July and seeks to decrease isolation and support the most vulnerable families through pop-up events and door-to-door engagement. The program addresses the whole person while promoting healthy COVID-19 practices using a two-pronged approach:
Connecting families dealing with limited resources, access, and system navigation skills with needed support through APPS interventionist and Care Coalition Social Workers.
Providing needed supplies including personal care products, face coverings and hand sanitizers, and items to reduce stress and anxiety including art and sports supplies.
This new approach allows the event to take place with safety measures in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.