National Initiative
Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships (Start Strong) is the largest initiative ever funded to target 11- to- 14-year-olds and rally entire communities to promote healthy relationships as the way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse.
The national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in collaboration with the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF). Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Blue Shield of California Foundation* are investing $18 million in 11 Start Strong communities across the country to identify and evaluate best practices in prevention to stop dating violence and abuse before it starts.
Based on a rigorous evaluation of more than 500 proposals received, the following were selected to become grantees and are currently receiving funding for Start Strong:- Boston Public Health Commission – Boston, Massachusetts
- Bronx –Lebanon Hospital – Bronx, New York
- Catholic Charities Inc. – Wichita, Kansas
- Clarian Health – Indianapolis, Indiana
- Emory University School of Medicine – Atlanta, Georgia
- Family Violence Law Center – Oakland, California
- Idaho Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence – Boise, Idaho
- Peace Over Violence – Los Angeles, California * (BSCF funded site)
- RYASAP – Bridgeport, Connecticut
- SafePlace – Austin, Texas
- Sojourner House – Providence, Rhode Island
- Educate and engage youth in schools and out of school settings
- Educate and engage teen influencers such as parents/caregivers, teachers and other mentors
- Change policy and environmental factors
- Implement effective communications/social marketing strategies