Team Resurrection Inc.

Executive Summary

Team Resurrection Inc. respectfully submits this proposal for $520,000 to implement the "Safe Passage Program," a comprehensive school zone safety initiative that provides coordinated violence prevention and safety services in the immediate vicinity of Westside High School and Central High School in Newark's West Ward. Under the experienced leadership of Program Director Malika McCall, this initiative represents an innovative approach to community-based violence prevention that creates safe corridors for students while building community capacity for ongoing safety and violence prevention.

The Safe Passage Program addresses the critical need for enhanced safety measures in school zones where students are particularly vulnerable to violence exposure and involvement. Our comprehensive approach includes deployment of trained Safe Passage workers at strategic corner locations surrounding both target schools, creating a coordinated safety network that provides both immediate protection and ongoing violence prevention services for students, families, and community members.

Statement of Need

Community Context

Newark's West Ward faces significant challenges related to youth violence and community safety, particularly in areas surrounding schools where students are most vulnerable during transition times. Recent data indicates that school zones experience heightened incidents of violence, creating an environment where students, families, and community members feel unsafe and where educational outcomes are negatively impacted by safety concerns.

The intersection of poverty, limited economic opportunities, and historical disinvestment has created conditions where violence becomes normalized and where young people lack positive role models and safe spaces for development. Students attending Westside High School and Central High School navigate daily safety concerns that impact their ability to focus on education and positive development.

Target Population

• Primary Beneficiaries: 2,600+ students attending Westside High School and Central High School
• Secondary Beneficiaries: Families, community members, and local businesses in the school zone areas
• Geographic Focus: Newark's West Ward, specifically the immediate vicinity of both target schools

Evidence of Need

• Violence Statistics: Documented incidents of violence in school zones during peak transition times
• Community Concerns: Resident reports of safety concerns and requests for increased protection
• Educational Impact: Attendance and academic performance affected by safety concerns
• Family Stress: Parents expressing concerns about student safety during school commutes

Program Description

Program Model

The Safe Passage Program operates on a comprehensive environmental crime prevention model that creates safe corridors through strategic deployment of trained community members who serve as positive role models, safety monitors, and violence prevention specialists. The program recognizes that effective school zone safety requires both immediate presence and long-term relationship building with students and community members.

Core Components

1. Strategic Corner Deployment

• Coverage Model: Dedicated Safe Passage workers positioned at each corner of both school zones
• Staffing Structure: 16 Safe Passage workers (8 per school zone) ensuring comprehensive coverage
• Supervision: 2 Site Supervisors providing coordination and support
• Schedule: Daily deployment during peak transition times (morning arrival, lunch, dismissal)

2. Professional Equipment and Identification

• Uniforms: Professional Safe Passage uniforms establishing clear identification and authority
• Communication Equipment: Two-way radios enabling coordinated response and emergency communication
• Safety Equipment: Reflective vests, stop signs, and other safety materials
• Identification Materials: Official badges and credentials establishing program legitimacy

3. Comprehensive Training Program

• Conflict De-escalation: Evidence-based techniques for preventing and managing conflicts
• Crisis Intervention: Immediate response protocols for emergency situations
• Youth Engagement: Positive relationship building and mentoring approaches
• Community Organizing: Skills for building community capacity and resident leadership

4. Team Building and Staff Support

• Monthly Team Building: Off-site activities maintaining staff morale and cohesion
• Professional Development: Ongoing training and skill building opportunities
• Staff Recognition: Appreciation programs acknowledging excellent performance
• Supervision and Support: Regular check-ins and professional guidance

Budget Summary

Expected Outcomes

Immediate Outcomes (0-6 months)

• Visible Safety Presence: Established Safe Passage workers at all designated corners
• Reduced Incidents: Documented decrease in violence and safety concerns in school zones
• Community Confidence: Increased sense of safety among students, families, and community members
• Positive Relationships: Strong connections between Safe Passage workers and community members

Intermediate Outcomes (6-12 months)

• Sustained Safety Improvements: Continued reduction in violence and safety incidents
• Student Engagement: Positive interactions between Safe Passage workers and students
• Community Capacity: Increased resident involvement in safety and violence prevention
• School Partnerships: Strong collaboration with school administrators and staff

Long-term Outcomes (12+ months)

• Community Transformation: Sustained improvements in community safety and cohesion
• Youth Development: Students demonstrating increased confidence and positive behavior
• Model Replication: Program model adapted for use in other high-risk communities
• Sustainable Systems: Community capacity for ongoing safety and violence prevention

Organizational Capacity

Team Resurrection Inc. Overview

• Founded: 2010
• Legal Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• EIN: 20-8965784
• Service Area: Newark, New Jersey (Primary focus: West Ward)

Leadership Excellence

Malika McCall - Executive Director & Program Director

Malika McCall brings visionary leadership and deep community expertise to Team Resurrection Inc., with proven experience in violence prevention, youth development, and community organizing. Under her direction, Team Resurrection has established itself as a leading provider of community-based violence intervention services.

Professional Expertise:

• Community organizing and grassroots leadership development
• Youth development and trauma-informed programming
• Violence prevention and crisis intervention
• Credible messenger mentoring and relationship-based services
• Grant management and nonprofit administration

Organizational Certifications

• Black American Owned Business
• Minority Owned Business
• Woman Owned Business
• Corporate Entity (Tax Exempt)

Proven Track Record

• Violence Reduction: Documented reductions in violence in areas with Team Resurrection presence
• Youth Development: 91% of graduates remained arrest-free in year following program discharge
• Community Capacity: Established partnerships with schools, law enforcement, and community organizations
• Grant Management: Successfully managing multiple concurrent programs and funding streams