Youth Gun Violence Prevention Workgroup Summit Set for Feb. 2-3, 2024

Published on January 30, 2024

By United Way of Tarrant County Communications

In support of its efforts to reduce gun violence in Tarrant County, United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) has named Quaniqua Carthan as program director of the One Second Collaborative (OSC). Carthan and the OSC team will lead its inaugural Tarrant County Youth Gun Violence Prevention Workgroup Summit Feb. 2-3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Omni Fort Worth,1300 Houston St., Fort Worth, TX 76102.

This summit serves as a platform for community members to actively participate in identifying goals and actions necessary to enhance positive life outcomes and disrupt the cycle of youth gun violence. The focus areas outlined by the One Second Collaborative Steering Committee include:

• Accessibility of mental health services for those at risk of youth gun violence and their families.
• Communication and raising awareness of the effects of youth violence, its trends, impacts and exploring solutions.
• Identifying youth violence risk factors early and distributing tools and resources to prevent violence.
• Community-based, proactive approaches to responding to imminent violence and connecting those at-risk to resources that address their immediate needs.
• Strengthening opportunities for families at risk of youth violence, increasing awareness and providing access to resources.
• Connecting youth at risk of violence to a network of trained, trusted mentors.

Launched in December 2022, the OSC is an evidence-based approach to addressing youth violence through the unification and coordination of numerous community-based organizations that deliver outreach, education, workforce training, internships, referrals for basic needs and other support to everyday challenges young people and their families are experiencing.

UWTC, the Fort Worth Police Department, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and countless community stakeholders have come together to make up this Collaborative. Financial support for the initiative and grants comes from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by Tarrant County and the City of Fort Worth.

Click here to read more about Quaniqua Carthan and United Way of Tarrant County.