Camden officials report a program that reduced city violence has halted following cuts from the Trump administration’s Department of Justice.

Cure4Camden, a violence intervention initiative launched in 2014 and recognized for its positive impact on crime reduction, has been abruptly halted due to the rescindment of million in federal grants by the Trump administration. The discontinuation of financial support from the U.S. Department of Justice has resulted in the layoff of seven staff members and the cessation of vital street outreach and early intervention initiatives designed to combat violence in the Camden community.

The initiative, which focuses on community-based violence prevention, employs local residents to mediate conflicts, support crime victims, and deter future violence. This approach differs from traditional anti-violence models by leveraging the trusted status of community members to affect change. Anna Payanzo Cotton, Chief Operating Officer at the nonprofit Center for Family Services, which oversees Cure4Camden, stated that the organization learned of the funding cut on the evening of April 22. The Justice Department indicated that the funding no longer aligned with the administration’s priorities, leaving the agency with no time to adjust or seek alternative funding sources.

Cure4Camden had relied on two substantial grants: a nearly million award received in October 2021 and a million grant intended for fiscal year 2024. Though over 75% of the earlier funds had already been allocated, the abrupt loss of funding represents a significant setback, as approximately 85% of the more recent grant was rescinded.

Former violence intervention specialist Stanley Winrow articulated the predicaments his former clients now face following the funding cuts, noting that several individuals have expressed a willingness to return to criminal activities, such as drug dealing and robbery. Winrow, who had worked directly with high-risk individuals, emphasized the importance of his role in guiding them toward positive life choices.

The repercussions of the funding loss extend beyond individual job placements; the program had benefited a total of 46 participants, including numerous at-risk youths, by offering services such as court advocacy, job placement assistance, and conflict resolution. The absence of Cure4Camden’s programs could significantly impede local efforts to maintain peace and safety in the community.

Local officials, including Camden County Commission Director Lou Cappelli Jr., have expressed deep concern over the impact of the funding cessation, describing it as a critical “safety net” being withdrawn from a vulnerable community. Cappelli warned that this decision could reverse years of progress in reducing crime rates, highlighting the potential for increased youth crime in Camden if no alternative support structures are established.

As the nonprofit organization and its leaders scramble to identify new funding avenues, they are also mindful that other similar organizations nationwide have received comparable termination notices. The loss of such a program, which has demonstrated measurable success in reducing violent crime—evidenced by a 46% decrease in shooting homicides since its inception—may lead to heightened police dependence in Camden.

Community leaders are expected to discuss these pressing issues during a news conference, particularly given the alarming implications the funding cuts hold for public safety and community welfare. Meanwhile, stakeholders await further information regarding potential avenues to restore essential support to the affected population.