Educational Civic Engagement Projects
The Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF) has provided SOS a grant in order to work in collaboration with the Homestead Police Department community policing unit to conduct educational civic engagement projects.
It takes law enforcement and residents working together in order to improve the quality of life for all through a reduction of crime and disorder. SOS has joined with the Homestead Police Department in a communitywide “See Something, Say Something” campaign. Through this campaign, we are reinforcing the significance of all of us working together, talking together, and listening together, in order to bring forth meaningful change. In 2021, We will be conducting four neighborhood events in order to conduct roundtable discussions. This provides the opportunity for residents to discuss public safety concerns and to develop solutions, tailored to their community. Youth have an important role; we will hold a Youth Summit in the spring of 2022, which will bring together 200 youth for a full day of open discussions, role-playing, and positive interaction with police. National Night Out is a yearly, national event where communitywide rallies are held, promoting community and police partnerships through crime prevention activities. Please re-visit the website for additional information and upcoming events.
OUR PROGRAMS
The Safe Families Partnership Network (SFPN)
The Safe Families Partnership Network (SFPN) provides care coordination to children and families who are victims of violence. Other risk factors include child abuse or neglect, child chronic absenteeism, and child disruptive behaviors. The referrals are accepted from Law Enforcement, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, DCF, Court system, and self-referrals (walk-ins).
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Assistance Grants
The federal VOCA assistance grant program offers funding to local community providers for use in responding to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims, assisting victims in stabilizing their lives after their victimization, helping victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, and providing victims with a measure of safety and security.
HPD Group Violence Intervention (GVI)
The Homestead Police Department Group Violence Intervention model is a part of a national program that seeks to decrease gun related deaths. The GVI is designed to reduce gun related homicide, targeting group or gang-involved individuals at high risk of violence and retaliation instances.
College Preparation Academy
This grant is funded by the Children’s’ Trust of Miami Dade County. The City of Homestead College Preparation Academy is a partnership between the City of Homestead, Homestead Police Athletic League, Homestead Police Explorers and Project Start Off Smart (SOS) The eight (8) week summer program prepares the youth and their families for what to expect during the college application, admission and acceptance process.
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides federal leadership in developing the national capacity to reduce violence against women and administer justice for and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.