Established in 2015 as part of New York City’s Crisis Management System, Operation H.O.O.D. was created as a grassroots violence prevention effort focused on interrupting gun violence, supporting high-risk individuals, and strengthening community safety through trusted local engagement. The program utilizes the Cure Violence model, a nationally recognized public health approach to violence prevention that treats violence as a preventable issue rather than an inevitable one.

The Cure Violence model focuses on three core strategies: interrupting violence before it occurs, working directly with individuals at the highest risk of involvement in violence, and changing community norms surrounding conflict resolution. Through violence interrupters, outreach workers, mentorship, workforce development, and community engagement, programs like Operation H.O.O.D. help prevent violence while connecting residents to opportunities and long-term support systems.

As JCCGCI continues expanding this critical work throughout Coney Island, Terence Rice brings more than three decades of leadership experience in youth development, violence prevention, institutional oversight, and justice reform to the role.

Terence’s career has focused on identifying gaps within communities and connecting residents to meaningful resources and opportunities ranging from education and employment support to violence prevention and wraparound services. His leadership experience includes overseeing site-level operations for Alternative to Incarceration programs, managing hiring and onboarding processes, supervising staff scheduling and reporting, coordinating workforce development initiatives, and ensuring compliance with complex funding and operational requirements.

Throughout his career, Terence has also worked extensively with individuals impacted by the justice system and high-risk youth, facilitating structured interventions focused on behavioral change, employment readiness, violence prevention, and long-term community stability. He has coordinated outreach teams across Brooklyn catchment areas, supervised violence interruption strategies, responded directly to shooting incidents, and collaborated closely with law enforcement leadership, city agencies, schools, and grassroots community partners.

His appointment reflects JCCGCI’s continued investment in experienced, community-driven leadership dedicated to strengthening both violence prevention efforts and long-term community relationships throughout Coney Island.

As David Anderson, who served as Interim Director of Operation H.O.O.D. over the past several months, shared in welcoming Terence to the role, “The strength of Operation H.O.O.D. relies entirely on the ecosystem of partners around us, from local schools and elected officials to community stakeholders, law enforcement, and neighborhood residents. We are excited to welcome Terence’s leadership, vision, and commitment to expanding that shared network of safety, opportunity, and hope for Coney Island.”

Terence Rice is especially passionate about building trust within the community while expanding access to resources that help residents move forward safely and successfully. Rooted in accountability, relationship-building, and community-centered leadership, he looks forward to continuing to strengthen Operation H.O.O.D.’s outreach, mentorship, and violence prevention efforts while deepening partnerships across the neighborhood.

Operation H.O.O.D. remains a vital part of JCCGCI’s broader mission to create safer, healthier, and more connected communities through prevention, empowerment, and direct community engagement. Through initiatives including mentorship programming, workforce development opportunities, youth engagement, educational support, legal assistance, and violence interruption services, the program continues to provide critical resources and support to individuals and families throughout Coney Island.

JCCGCI extends its sincere gratitude to the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), community partners, local stakeholders, and all those who continue supporting Operation H.O.O.D.’s mission and impact throughout the community.

Please join JCCGCI in warmly welcoming Terence Rice as he begins this important new chapter leading Operation H.O.O.D.’s work in Coney Island.

 👉 Want to get involved with JCCGCI? Visit https://www.jccgci.org/programs/partner-with-us/