The Impact Zone encompasses the neighborhoods around seven schools: International School at Gregory, Snipes Academy of Art and Design, Forest Hills Global Elementary, Rachel Freeman School of Engineering, D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, Williston Middle School and New Hanover High School.

Target Categories: Employability and jobs, financial assistance (housing, utilities, transportation, etc.), and youth education (6th-12th grades).

Funding decisions based upon a program’s ability to:

  • Address barriers, program accessibility, and equity.
  • Focus on vulnerable and under-resourced populations. An emphasis will be placed upon programs serving the Impact Zone schools and residents living in proximity.
  • Balance intervention (meeting immediate needs) and prevention strategies (long-term outcomes).
  • Utilize best practices and use or develop Standardized Program Evaluation Protocols (SPEP).
  • Use or develop proven tracking and evaluation tools clearly tied to program outcome

IMPACT ZONE DETAILS

UWCFA is leading a strategic initiative to improve community safety in New Hanover County by investing in youth development, workforce access, and household stability. This multi-pronged approach addresses the root causes of violence and instability (poverty, exposure to trauma, and lack of opportunity) by mobilizing resources that empower youth and support families. Supported programs serve under-resourced and vulnerable populations: low-income individuals and households, seniors, children, racial and ethnic minorities, disabled, veterans, justice-involved individuals, etc.

The social determinants of crime are above the County averages for the Impact Zone neighborhoods (census tract data attached in the upload section). Also, the County operated a call center for the Impact Zone that collected data for community needs in 2022 and 2023. Major gaps identified were financial, transportation, housing, food, and employment assistance. There was also a clear need for legal support which is indicative of the high prevalence of crime and justice system involvement. Those numbers and the breakdowns within the categories can be found in the attached Impact Zone Call Center document. Interestingly, despite historical data, the community did not self-identify public safety as a need. This strengthens the argument that basic needs such as financial, housing, and employment supersede crime and police enforcement.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Reduce Youth Involvement in Gangs and Violence

Provide structured, meaningful alternatives to gang influence through paid summer jobs, career-readiness training, mentorship, and financial incentives that position positive adults and employers as the most visible path to success.

Mitigate the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Invest in services that support stable, trauma-informed households, recognizing that early intervention in the home is critical to long-term educational, emotional, and economic outcomes.

Strengthen the Education-to-Workforce Pipeline

Deliver targeted programming that connects youth (particularly those from underserved communities) to skills training, internships, and post-secondary pathways, reducing disconnection and increasing economic mobility.

Mobilize Cross-Sector Collaboration

Partner with schools, social workers, nonprofits, and employers to build a unified, community-wide strategy that aligns around prevention, opportunity, and equity.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

  • Decreased rates of juvenile involvement in violent incidents and gang activity

  • Increased number of youth engaged in paid employment, mentorship, or post-secondary training

  • Improved household stability metrics (housing, income, and family engagement)

  • Reduced ACE scores among participating youth through targeted family support services

  • Increased exposure to positive adult experiences and guidance for youth that will build hope and resiliency

By investing in these upstream solutions, we aim to create safer communities and more hopeful futures for New Hanover County youth and families.