Jackson County COMBAT Proclaims 'Positive Impact' In Fight Against Crime

This is one of the more controversial local taxes that now steps into campaign mode amid a new administration . . . In fairness, here's how their selling their services to the voting public:

COMBAT releases 2024 Community Impact Report, highlighting stories of transformation

Jackson County COMBAT, an agency of the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, today released its 2024 Community Impact Report highlighting the program’s far-reaching positive impact and the transformative stories of those whose lives have been changed as a result.

COMBAT (Community Backed Anti-Crime Tax) works under the direction of the Prosecutor’s Office to enhance public safety in Jackson County by providing vital resources to address the root causes of violence and substance abuse.

The agency provides funding for nonprofits focused on violence prevention and treatments services and law enforcement initiatives including the Jackson County Drug Task Force, school resources officers, and anti-drug/anti-violence educational programs. In 2024 alone, COMBAT supported 95 different programs operating at 424 locations across the county.

“The successful and transformational stories we hear from real people as a result of COMBAT’s work show us what is possible when we directly invest in community organizations addressing the underlying causes of violence and substance abuse,” said Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. “As Prosecutor, I am proud to oversee a program making a bold difference in our communities, connecting people with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and break cycles of trauma and violence.”

COMBAT’s referral initiative, STRiVIN’, has become a vital lifeline since its 2021 launch. The program connects those affected by violence with essential resources including stable housing, employment opportunities with quality pay, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and more. Nearly 4,000 people in Jackson County have been referred to STRiVIN’ by law enforcement, school leaders, and healthcare providers.

“At COMBAT, we understand that when people are not struggling to meet their most basic needs for survival, have a place to live, enough food, access to health care, we will see lower crime rates,” said COMBAT Executive Director Vince Ortega. “Looking ahead to the rest of the year, we are excited to expand our partnerships with nonprofit agencies providing quality resources and continue to ensure we are supporting those providing critical care and support for our community.”

Data from STRiVIN’ referrals reveal trauma services, housing assistance, employment opportunities, utility assistance, and income support are the most requested services. The program serves people of all ages, with most of the referees between 30-39 years old, closely followed by young adults aged 19-29 and then youth.

2024 Impact Highlights:

Violence Prevention: More than 60 nonprofit violence prevention agencies, including AdHoc Group Against Crime, De La Salle Education Center, ArtsTech, and Healing House received $4.8 million in grants, serving more than 66,000 people across Jackson County.

Substance Abuse Treatment: More than 20 nonprofit treatment agencies, including Amethyst Place, Cornerstones of Care, and ReDiscover received more than $4.5 million in grants, providing services to nearly 7,000 people.

STRiVIN Program: Eight nonprofit agencies, including Center for Conflict Resolution, Hope House, and the Mattie Rhodes Center received $1.6 million in grants to support the STRiVIN’ program.

School-Based Initiatives: COMBAT funded law enforcement programs that reached more than 13,000 students across 126 schools in Jackson County.

Jackson County Drug Task Force: Seized more than $35.6 million of illegal controlled substances and illegal firearms.

About Jackson County COMBAT

Managed by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, Jackson County COMBAT’s mission is to reduce violence by addressing the root causes of violence and substance abuse while empowering Jackson County through essential resources and guidance. COMBAT is funded by a quarter-cent sales tax (COMmunity Backed Anti-Crime Tax), which supports prevention programs, treatment services, and law enforcement initiatives including the Jackson County Drug Task Force, school resources officers, and anti-drug/anti-violence educational programs. Grant funding is distributed to nonprofit agencies providing prevention and treatment services upon approval by the COMBAT Anti-Crime Commission and the County Legislature.

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