Community Foundation of North Central Florida Awards $20,000 Grant to River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding’s PACT Project

The Community Foundation of North Central Florida has awarded a $20,000 grant to the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding (RPCP) in support of its Neighborhood Peace Action Community Team (PACT) Project. Designed to address conflict, reduce violence, and strengthen social cohesion, the initiative empowers local residents with the skills needed to mediate disputes and build long-term community resilience. 

The PACT Project will be piloted at the Residences at Oakview in Gainesville. Through trauma-informed training in restorative justice and conflict resolution, the program will equip community members with the tools necessary to address disputes constructively and foster a safer, more connected environment. 

“Supporting community-driven solutions to violence prevention aligns with our mission to create positive change in North Central Florida,” said Barzella Papa, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. ”The PACT Project stands out as an innovative and sustainable approach that not only addresses immediate conflicts but also builds long-term capacity for peace and safety within the community.” 

At the core of the PACT Project is the belief that sustainable peacebuilding efforts must come from within the community itself. Residents will be trained as peace facilitators and mentors, helping to de-escalate conflicts before they escalate into violence. 

Jeffrey Weisberg, Executive Director of the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding, emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative, stating: ”This funding from the Community Foundation allows us to directly engage community members as leaders in building safer and more connected neighborhoods. By equipping local residents with the skills to resolve conflicts and de-escalate violence, we are fostering a culture of empowerment, accountability, and transformation that will extend beyond Oakview and into other communities in the future.” 

With the support of the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, RPCP aims to develop a model that can be adapted for other neighborhoods facing similar challenges. By investing in local leaders and prioritizing grassroots conflict resolution strategies, the PACT Project is setting the stage for sustainable violence prevention and long-term community well-being. 

For more information about the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding and the PACT Project, visit www.centerforpeacebuilding.org.