ABSTRACT
This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a multi-level violence prevention initiative codesigned with the community in Bessemer, Alabama. Guided by a community-based participatory research approach, we developed “Building a Better Bessemer,” a holistic intervention targeting violent crime at the socio-ecological levels (individual, relational, community, and societal levels) through intervention mapping. The intervention included youth social-emotional learning, mentoring, parental support, police engagement, and community improvement projects. Evaluation included pre-post surveys and focus groups. Among youth self-reported outcomes, significant improvements were seen in social cohesion (p = 0.009) and decreases in conduct problems (p < 0.001) and total difficulties (p < 0.003). Focus group results reported strong support for the program’s content and delivery. Community-driven, multi-level violence prevention interventions are feasible and effective in communities with high crime and show promising outcomes in youth behavior and community safety.