Impact One is part of the Empower Omaha movement working to improve the quality of life in North Omaha. Recently before the Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, they shared details of the last two years of gang violence intervention strategies, which have netted positive results. Interim Police Chief Alex Hayes and former Police Chief Tom Warren both testified that gang violence intervention efforts are making a dent in the violence experienced in North Omaha. The strategy includes employing former gang members as intervention specialists who work to deter retaliation shootings. Governor Dave Heineman has made it clear that none of the $350,000 in grant funds available through the newly created state Office of Violence Prevention may be used for such efforts, simply because they employ former gang members. According to the Governor’s press release, however, the funds should be allocated to programs that show measured results preventing street and gang violence. If you want to see the funds distributed to Impact One and Empower Omaha, contact the governor’s office and request that the funds be distributed to a worthy organization.