Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery

💜 Building Safer Communities Starts With Trust, Healing & Action 💜 The Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery is committed to creating a stronger, safer Newark through prevention, community partnerships, and trauma-informed support. ✨ Our Mission: To provide resources and services that address trauma and promote prevention strategies that enhance quality of life for all Newark residents. 🌟 Our Vision: A Newark where public safety and public health work together — shifting the culture from trauma to trust. 🔹 The 4 Pillars of Our Approach: 1️⃣ Supporting Communities 2️⃣ Mobilizing Community & Law Enforcement 3️⃣ Shifting the Culture 4️⃣ Investing in Capacity & Prevention Together, we can empower neighborhoods, strengthen families, and build a future rooted in healing and opportunity. 🤝 📲 Learn more: [OVPTR](?utm_source=chatgpt.com) #NewarkNJ #OVPTR #CommunityHealing #ViolencePrevention #TraumaRecovery PublicSafety CommunityStrong NewarkCommunity HealingCentered TogetherWeRise

🎓🕊️ Congratulations to the 2026 Peace Academy Participants! 🕊️🎓 Brick City Peace Collective and the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery proudly celebrate the incredible young leaders who completed the 2026 Peace Academy! 💜 Your dedication, growth, and commitment to creating safer and stronger communities inspire us all. Through leadership, healing, education, and conflict resolution, you have shown what it truly means to be changemakers in Newark. 🙌🏾 This achievement is more than a certificate — it represents resilience, courage, and the power of choosing peace in the face of adversity. Every lesson learned and every connection built is helping shape a brighter future for our city. 🌟 Thank you for stepping up, leading with purpose, and proving that our youth are the heart of the movement toward healing and unity. The journey does not stop here — this is only the beginning! ✨ 👏🏾 Help us celebrate the 2026 Peace Academy participants in the comments below! #PeaceAcademy #BrickCityPeaceCollective #OVPTR #NewarkNJ #YouthLeadership

🎓✨ Congratulations to the First Cohort of the Guaranteed Education Program at Saint Elizabeth University! ✨🎓 Today is more than graduation — it’s proof that perseverance, resilience, and community support can change lives forever. 💜 To every graduate: Your journey was not easy, but you stayed committed, pushed through challenges, and reached this incredible milestone. Your success is an inspiration to Newark and beyond. 🙌🏾 This moment represents hope, opportunity, and the power of investing in education and our future leaders. The impact you will make in your families, neighborhoods, and communities is only beginning. 🌟 We celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing all that you accomplish next. 👏🏾 Join us in congratulating the graduates in the comments! #CongratulationsGraduates #ClassOf2026 #GuaranteedEducationProgram #SaintElizabethUniversity #NewarkNJ

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 The 2026 SAFE Summer Academy is officially here! ☀️💜 From June 29 – August 21, we’re creating a powerful summer experience for 150 at-risk and high-risk youth across our community. This program is designed to uplift, mentor, and empower young people — especially those impacted by incarceration or gun violence. 🙌🏾 SAFE Summer Academy is more than a program… it’s a movement toward healing, leadership, opportunity, and hope. 💯 🎯 Focus Areas Include: ✅ Mentorship & Life Skills ✅ Violence Prevention ✅ Mental Wellness Support ✅ Recreational & Educational Activities ✅ Family & Community Engagement We are committed to building safer communities by investing directly into our youth and families. Together, we can break cycles and build futures. ✊🏾 📅 Program Dates: June 29 – August 21 👥 Serving 150 Youth 💜 Supporting families impacted by incarceration & gun violence Stay tuned exciting updates! #SAFESummerAcademy #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityHealing #ViolencePrevention #SummerProgram

💜 Sisters, it’s time to pour back into YOU. 💜 Join us for our next *Sister Healing Circle* — a safe, uplifting space where women come together to heal, grow, connect, and be heard. 🌸✨ This month’s conversation: **“Mental Health Matters”** 🧠💕 Because your peace, wellness, and healing deserve priority. 🗓 Every 4th Tuesday 📍 Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center – Newark, NJ ⏰ 5PM–7PM Come experience: ✨ Meaningful conversations ✨ Sisterhood & support ✨ Wellness tools for everyday life ✨ A judgment-free community All women are welcome. Bring a sister, auntie, daughter, coworker, or friend. Let’s heal together. 💜 #SisterHealingCircle #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #HealingTogether #WellnessJourney

🚨 Newark Families, We’re Outside for Our Youth! 🚨 This weekend, the City of Newark, OVPTR, and the Brick City Peace Collective are continuing the mission to keep our young people safe, connected, and supported through the Juvenile Curfew Initiative. 💙 🕚 Curfew Hours: 11:00 PM – 5:30 AM 👥 For youth under 18 📍 Weekends Only (Friday–Sunday) through July 3rd This initiative is about SAFETY — not punishment. We’re meeting our youth where they are, strengthening families, preventing violence, and creating pathways to opportunity. 🙌🏾 If a young person is found out late without an adult, OVPTR outreach teams are available to safely reconnect them with family or guardians. 💬 Let’s work together to build a stronger, safer Newark for everyone. #NewarkNJ #BrickCity #YouthSafety #CommunityFirst #OVPTR ViolencePrevention StrongerTogether YouthOutreach SafeCommunities NewarkYouth TogetherWePrevent

🚨 **CITY-WIDE DRIVE-UP & GO FOOD DISTRIBUTION** 🚨 1,000 boxes of food will be distributed to Newark residents only on a first come, first served basis EVERY WEDNESDAY STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT LOCATION Presented on behalf of the City of Newark and Mayor Ras J. Baraka. In Newark, public safety starts with community. The City of Newark Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery continues to invest in and support programs that bring people together, build trust, and support families where they need it most. This work reflects the Office’s first pillar: **Supporting Communities** — empowering residents to take an active role in creating public safety. Through the Hello Fresh Food Distribution Initiative, residents are provided with access to healthy meals and essential resources that strengthen the well-being of our neighborhoods. But this program is about more than food. It’s about connection. It’s about showing up for one another. And it’s about creating safer, healthier communities together. When families have access to support and resources, it helps reduce stress, promotes wellness, and creates opportunities for positive community engagement. By working alongside residents, community leaders, and local organizations, Newark continues to empower communities to take an active role in creating public safety from the ground up. Together, we are building stronger neighborhoods, stronger relationships, and a stronger Newark. #BrickCity #NewarkNJ #CommunityStrong #PublicSafety #OVPTR SupportingCommunities

🌻 Newark, let’s come together for healing, hope, and community! 🌻 Join us for the **3rd Annual South Ward Resource Day** hosted by the NPD 5th Precinct Office of Violence Prevention & Trauma Recovery and community partners. This FREE event will connect residents with valuable resources, wellness support, family services, community organizations, and more! 📍 **Sound Stage** (Peshine & Clinton Ave) 📅 **Tuesday, May 26, 2026** ⏰ **10:00 AM – 3:00 PM** Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we build a stronger and healthier South Ward together 💛 ✨ Community Resources ✨ Health & Wellness Support ✨ Youth & Family Services ✨ Violence Prevention & Recovery Resources ✨ Local Organizations & More #SouthWard #NewarkNJ #ResourceDay #CommunityHealing #ViolencePrevention NewarkEvents CommunityStrong TraumaRecovery WellnessForAll MayorBaraka SouthWardResourceDay NewarkCommunity

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING! 🚨 The countdown is ON for the 2026 SAFE Summer Academy! ☀️💜💛 Get ready for a summer filled with empowerment, leadership, creativity, mentorship, and opportunities for our youth to grow in safe and positive spaces. 📢 Mark Your Calendars 🗓 Friday, May 15th The Office of Violence Prevention is proud to support programs that uplift our community, build stronger futures, and create pathways to success for young people all summer long. ✨ Stay tuned for exciting updates, and more! #SafeSummerAcademy #OVPTR #YouthEmpowerment

🚨 Newark Families & Community — The Juvenile Curfew Begins This Friday, May 15 🚨 The City of Newark and OVPTR are working together to help keep our young people safe, connected, and supported this summer. 💙 🕚 **Curfew Hours:** 11:00 PM – 5:30 AM 📍 Applies to youth under 18 who are more than 100 yards from home without an adult. 📅 Starts: **Friday, May 15** This initiative focuses on: ✔️ Protecting youth ✔️ Preventing violence ✔️ Connecting families to support services ✔️ Building stronger community relationships Newark’s approach is community-centered — no arrests, fines, or penalties. The goal is engagement, safety, and support for our youth and families. Let’s work together to create a safer summer for everyone. 🌟 #NewarkNJ #YouthSafety #CommunityFirst #OVPTR #JuvenileCurfew ProtectAndConnect NewarkYouth SafeSummer

🌿💜 Join Us for the Mental Health Walk 💜🌿 Let’s come together to raise awareness, support wellness, build community, and show compassion. Every step we take helps break the stigma around mental health and reminds others they are not alone. 🗓 Date: May 22 ⏰ Time: 1 PM – 4 PM 📍 Location: Weequahic Park – Meeker Entrance ✨ Walk for your mind. Walk for others. ✨ Start a conversation. Spread awareness. Create change. #MentalHealthWalk #MentalHealthAwareness #YouMatter #CommunitySupport #WellnessJourney BreakTheStigma MentalHealthMatters WalkForAwareness SupportWellness NewarkNJ YouAreNotAlone MindHealth CommunityHealing

☀️🎉 SCHOOL MAY BE OUT… BUT THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE JUST GETTING STARTED! 🎉☀️ Calling all Newark youth, parents, and families 📣 Get ready for the Citywide Summer Enrichment Fair — your one-stop destination for summer camps, youth programs, fun activities, and community resources all in one place! 📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026 ⏰ 10:00AM – 2:00PM 📍 John F. Kennedy Recreation & Aquatic Center 211 West Kinney Street, Newark, NJ 07103 ✨ Connect with: 🎨 Summer enrichment programs 🏀 Fun activities & camps 📚 Educational opportunities 💼 Youth resources & support services 🤝 Community organizations invested in our youth This is more than a fair — it’s a chance to help our young people have a safe, productive, and empowering summer 💙 Tag a parent, mentor, or young person who needs to be there 👇🏾 #NewarkNJ #SummerEnrichmentFair #OVPTR #SafeSummer #YouthDevelopment CommunityStrong SummerPrograms NewarkYouth CentersOfHope BrickCity InvestInYouth