Please share. Thank you. Jay Gilmer, Esq. 412-592-9472 ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: City of Pittsburgh Stop the Violence Office <stoptheviolence@pittsburghpa.gov>To: "jaygilmer@verizon.net" <jaygilmer@verizon.net>Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 08:45:45 AM ESTSubject: February Stop the Violence Newsletter | NEW Hotline for Youth Diversion Services, Violence Prevention Partner Programs, Events, Resources, Facts & Stats & More | | | | | | | | In This Issue: *NEW Hotline For Youth Diversion Services* *Last Chance forCitizens & Student Police Academies* *Violence Prevention Partner Activities* | | | | February 28, 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | Stop the Violence Newsletter | | | | | | | | | | The City of Pittsburgh STOP the Violence Office exists to change the community narrative about violence and stop the spread of the disease of violence in the City. While we are concerned as well with the surrounding areas and will share solutions and events in those areas, we only have jurisdiction in the City. We would be pleased to share our knowledge and strategies with any jurisdiction outside of the City. Table of Contents - Solutions: NEW-Call 211 for Youth Diversion Services - Something You Can Do: Join the Next FREE Student Police Academy - Solutions: NEW-Fitzgerald Announces $50 Million Commitment to Violence Reduction Initiatives in Allegheny County - Something You Can Do: Participate in the Next Citizens Police Academy - Violence Prevention Partner Activity-Zone 3: The Brashear Association - Violence Prevention Partner Activity-Zone 5: Melanin Mommies - Violence Prevention Partner Activity-Zone 5: Bible Center Church - Solutions: Over $21 Million in State Grants Awarded for Community Violence Intervention in Allegheny County - City Solutions: To Prevent or Interrupt Violence, Contact REACH - City Solutions: 2022 Stop The Violence Community Investment Grant Recipient Programs-Part 1 - Special Appeal: For Officer Jeffrey Crawford - Solutions Archive: Cure Violence-Part 1 - Solutions: Let Us Know Using StopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.Gov - Something You Can Do: Pray for Peace and Against Violence - Training: Community Violence Intervention; Group Violence Intervention+, GVI Support & Outreach; Conflict Resolution Training and More - Facts and Stats: From January 2023 - More Facts and Stats: 2022 Victim Analysis - Coming Events - Tips for You, Poll Responses & Previous Newsletters - More Community Resources: 40 Resources Listed - Domestic Violence Resource Guide Please complete the 7 polls in this Newsletter (#7 is at the very end of the Newsletter) NOTE: This Newsletter is full of pictures. If you cannot see them, they may be blocked by your computer. You can unblock by clicking on a button that may be at the top or bottom of your computer screen. Please encourage the people in your networks to subscribe to the Newsletter. If anyone you forward the Newsletter to would unsubscribe, you will be unsubscribed as well (and would need to resubscribe to receive the Newsletter again). If you're interested in helping STOP the violence, please send us an email by clicking HERE. Sign up here to receive the monthly City of Pittsburgh STOP The Violence Newsletter | | | | | | | | | | Solutions: New-Call 211 for YOUth Diversion Services To Divert Youth From the Criminal Justice System | | | | Caring Connections for YOUth is a community-led initiative developed by the Black Girls Equity Alliance (BGEA) that provides access to supports and services to ANY YOUTH, up to age 18, living in Allegheny County as a diversion from the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. | | | | | | | | | | The goal for Caring Connections for YOUth is to reduce youth violence and arrests by reducing the interactions that children have with police. Caring Connections for YOUth works with 211, so if a kid or a family in Allegheny County needs help for things like a conflict between a parent and child, truancy, fighting or even minor drug possession, all they have to do is call 211, press 3 and be connected with an operator instead of the cops. The program was developed based on data collected by Gwen's Girls. They looked at the numbers of juveniles who are arrested, cited or referred to juvenile court for minor offenses. They found that not knowing who to call for resources and support was one reason young people ended up in the system, when really they needed help. For a December 2022 story from KDKA-TV on Caring Connections for YOUth, please click on the picture of Dr. Kathi Elliott below. | | | | | | | | | | Poll #1: Does Caring Connections for YOUth look like a useful resource? | | | Yes | | Select | | | | | | | | No | | Select | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Something You Can Do:Join the Next FREEStudent Police Academy Last Chance for High School Students to Sign Up! | | | | | The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police sponsors an opportunity for High School students in the Pittsburgh community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Bureau. The Pittsburgh Student Police Academy brings the police and Pittsburgh’s high school community closer together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant. Applications are being accepted for the spring session of the Student Police Academy (SPA) until Thursday, March 2, 2023. The academy is open to all interested high school students in grades 9-12, whether they live inside or outside of the City of Pittsburgh. Classes will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm starting Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Point Park University in Downtown Pittsburgh. The SPA meets weekly for 8 weeks. The academy exposes students to some of the experiences they might have just as if they were cadets training at the Pittsburgh Police Academy to be police officers. According to John Tokarski, SaferTogether Coordinator and facilitator of the SPA: “a student who | | | enrolls in our academy should expect to leave with at least three wonderful experiences! “First, students will better understand the breadth of education, understanding of policy and importance of relevant statues that factor in the various decisions that police officers must make on a daily basis...often within a split second.“Second, teens will have a forum to meet and get to know police officers from our Police Bureau's various divisions (uniform, detectives, bomb squad, S.W.A.T., vice & narcotics, K-9, etc.) simply as human beings...and vice-versa! “Finally, it will expose students to potential careers in criminal justice and/or as first responders. Those careers could be with the Pittsburgh Police, or in a county, state or federal law enforcement agency or any other of the many other areas of criminal justice, including forensic science, law, and others.” Please direct any questions to John Tokarski at: john.tokarski@pittsburghpa.gov The application can be found HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Solutions: NEW-Fitzgerald Announces $50 Million Commitment to Violence Reduction Initiativesin Allegheny County | | | | February 21, 2023PITTSBURGH – County Executive Rich Fitzgerald today announced the county will be committing $50 million over the next five years on a comprehensive and well-coordinated public health approach to community violence reduction. “We are extremely fortunate in this region to have so many different organizations and entities that engage and active when there is a need and addressing violence in our community is certainly no exception,” said Fitzgerald. “With this financial commitment, we are approaching this issue broadly while also coordinating efforts to ensure that our approach is a comprehensive one. Just as importantly, this effort is intended to be coordinated at the county level but implemented locally. The organizations receiving funding, and the people who do the work, are best suited to determine how to make an impact in their community.” The funding will be used for contracts resulting from two Requests for Proposals (RFP) issued last year by the Department of Human Services, with input from the Health Department’s Office of Violence Prevention, that sought evidence-based approaches to be implemented in highly-impacted communities in Allegheny County. | | | | | | | | The RFP for Countywide Support for Violence Prevention sought partners to assist our broader strategy, including identifying a countywide convener to bring together and coordinate efforts among all relevant stakeholders and also funds county-wide prevention efforts that can be centrally, rather than locally, operated. Contracts awarded for this RFP include: • Neighborhood Resilience Project for countywide coordination • Social Contract for operation of shooting review boards in which relevant stakeholders come together on a regularly recurring basis to systematically determine why a given shooting (fatal and non-fatal) occurred, identify trends and use these data to inform prevention and intervention. • Reimagine Reentry for hospital-based intervention in which trauma responders and outreach workers visit the bedsides of gunshot victims in hospital trauma centers to connect at-risk young men to necessary services and stop the spread of violence by interrupting retaliation. • Center for Victims, Community Empowerment Association for coordination of victim and family supports connecting gunshot victims and their loved ones to mental health services and survivor support groups. • Also funded will be capacity building and implementation of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which uses blight reduction, strategic lighting placement, and vacant building and lot remediation as tools to reduce the opportunity to commit violent crime. | | | | | | Rich Fitzgerald Allegheny County Executive | | | The RFP for Community Violence Reduction Plans from High-Priority Areas, sought strategies aimed at reducing community violence in highly impacted municipalities outside the City of Pittsburgh and asked stakeholders to create a community violence reduction plan and select an agency to carry it out. The RFP asked stakeholders to create a community violence reduction plan and select a local agency to oversee and coordinate the partners involved in carrying out that plan. The local, coordinating agency is referred to as the community quarterback. | | | | The county will fund existing projects in these communities as well as fund the implementation of the following initiatives: • Cure Violence treats the spread of violence like a disease and disrupts it through credible violence interrupters, prevents it by connecting those most at-risk to services via outreach workers, and changes community norms around violence. The program focuses on those at highest risk of victimization from or perpetration of gun violence, primarily older youth and young adults ages 15 through 34. • Becoming A Man (BAM) is a school-based program that employs full-time licensed counselors who work with at-risk young men in grades 6 through 12, five days a week, through cognitive behavioral therapy, peer support and future orientation. • Programs like the Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI), a paid transitional jobs program that is primarily focused on violence prevention by identifying those most at risk for involvement with violence. | | | | Efforts for the RFP were focused on Allegheny County communities, outside of the City of Pittsburgh, most impacted by gun violence; accordingly, the following contracts were awarded to the following organizations which will serve as the local, coordinating agencies, also referred to as the community quarterbacks: • Focus on Renewal (Stowe, McKees Rocks) • Penn Hills School District • South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace (South Hilltop, Mount Oliver) • Greater Valley Community Services (Woodland Hills School District – Braddock, East Pittsburgh, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, and Turtle Creek) • Steel Rivers Council of Governments (Mon Valley – Clairton, Duquesne, Homestead, and McKeesport) • Community Forge (Greater Wilkinsburg Area) Given the need that exists within the City of Pittsburgh, the city is directly funding its own set of community violence prevention efforts under the Plan for Peace. The county stands ready to assist the city with its efforts. | | | | | | Poll #2: Did you know about this $50 million County commitment before reading about it here? | | | Yes | | Select | | | | | | | | No | | Select | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Something You Can Do:Participate in the NextCitizens Police Academy Sign Up Now! | | | | | Citizens Police Academy is an opportunity for citizens in the Pittsburgh community to meet some police officers, get a sample of police training and be exposed to the operations of the Police Bureau. The Spring 2023 Citizens Police Academy will be offered at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill. Said one past Citizens Police Academy participant: “I never knew how many duties officers had and how many laws and procedures they had to know and how much specialized knowledge many of the officers had. It was really invaluable to me.” Starting March 8, participants will meet every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm and receive training in many of the varied functions of law enforcement. Topics typically include the basics of | | | criminal law, search and seizure, patrol tactics, processing of a crime scene, how police canines are used, and the functions of many of the specialty police units. You should leave this training with a greater understanding of the police mission and with an increased ability to see how the police serve the community. Please note: This program is not an accredited certification course to become a sworn police officer. If you’re interested, please complete an application and give permission for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to conduct a background check. The deadline for applications is Wednesday March 1, 2023. Please direct any questions to John Tokarski at: john.tokarski@pittsburghpa.gov The application can be found HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Violence Prevention Partner Activity-Zone 3:The Brashear Association The Brashear Association cares about Stopping the Violence in Pittsburgh. They are looking for committed, motivated parents and caregivers from South Pittsburgh and the Hilltop. Nominate yourself and/or a friend to participate in this 8-week training program designed to help parents and caregivers develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for themselves, their children, and their community. Hurry, class size is limited and begins March 9th. To contact The Brashear Association, call 412-431-2236 or click HERE to send an email. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Violence Prevention Partner Activities-Zone 5:Melanin Mommies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Violence Prevention Partner Activity-Zone 5:Bible Center Church | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Solutions: Over $21 Million in State Grants Awarded for Community Violence Intervention in Allegheny County | | | | January 11, 2023 – Today, State Democratic Senators from Allegheny County, including Senators Jay Costa, Jim Brewster, Wayne Fontana, and Lindsey Williams, announced over $21 million in Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) grants for community violence intervention and prevention for the region. “All of us deserve to feel safe in the homes and neighborhoods we call home. I’m so proud that the PCCD is investing in community-based solutions that deliver safety and remove dangerous weapons from the hands of those who wish harm on those we love,” said Senator Costa. “I look forward to continuing work with leaders in Pittsburgh to keep one another safe and sound.” PCCD awarded $88.6 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants to 122 projects throughout the state, and approximately $12 million in Coordinated Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) Strategies Pilot grants to 5 projects to support targeted anti-violence efforts in Philadelphia, Allegheny County, Chester City, and York. Senator Brewster, a member of PCCD’s School Safety and Security Committee, took part in approving the grants that were awarded today.“As a member of the School Safety and Security Committee, I am pleased that we were able to meet this afternoon to approve the community safety awards included in this year’s historic budget,” said Senator Brewster. “One of my top priorities has been to secure our schools and neighborhoods, and these awards will help increase coordination and prevent violence across the Commonwealth.” | | | | | | | | A total of 22 organizations and initiatives in Allegheny County were awarded funds to support efforts to reduce gun and group violence in communities. “I’m pleased to see these much needed funds being distributed to proven programs that will help reduce violence in our communities. Many communities in the district I represent will benefit greatly from this funding,” said Senator Fontana. “I’m glad to see these programs receive PCCD funding to help communities address the root causes of violence using evidence-based and trauma-informed solutions,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “These grants will go to projects that help students, families, and neighborhoods build safe schools and communities together.” Allegheny County grant recipients include:Coordinated CVI Strategies Pilot Grants Award Recipients: - Neighborhood Resilience Project, Allegheny County Convened Violence Prevention- $3,000,000 Violence Intervention and Prevention Competitive Grants Award recipients: - *Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation, Community Defense Project- $80,015 - ACH Clear Pathways, R.E.A.C.H. Program Support- $450,000 - Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer, Rapid Employment & Development to Reduce Violence- $2,426,014 - Amachi Pittsburgh, Hear4U Mobile Outreach- $440,500 - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Inc., Woodland Hills Violence Prevention Program- $268,000 - Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Great Futures Solutions- $1,809,760 - Center for Victims, Competitive VIP Grant – Comprehensive Response- $2,500,000 - *Community Empowerment Association, Inc., Violence Intervention Proposal (VIP)- $927,917 - Focus On Renewal Sto-Rox Neighborhood Corp., Families Foremost- $833,029 - Foundation of HOPE, HOPE Aftercare/MAD DADS Collaborative- $809,000 - Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc., P4:247 CommUNITY- $1,500,000 - Pittsburgh City, Pittsburgh Youth Violence Prevention in Schools- $2,499,909 - Pittsburgh Community Services Inc., Violence Intervention & Prevention Project-$750,000 - Ruth’s Way, Inc., The Achievement Consultation Program- $111,105 - *South Pgh Coalition for Peace Outreach Program- $160,000 - *Voices Against Violence*- $187,500 - University of Pittsburgh, Empowering Teens to Thrive- $1,240,722 - University of Pittsburgh (School of Medicine), Teen Outreach to Promote Safety (TOPS)- $704,285 - Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project, Project for Peace Service Camp- $25,000 - *Youth Enrichment Services, Inc., Youth Lead Peer Engagement Violence Prevention Hub- $650,000 - *YouthPlaces, Trauma-Informed Care Project- $410,534 Groups in bold have significant activities in the City of Pittsburgh.* Indicates organizations that also received funding from the City of Pittsburgh in 2022 for their violence prevention programming.More information about these grant recipients and project details can be found HERE. | | | | | | Poll #3: Will these investments in violence prevention activities make a real difference? | | | Yes | | Select | | | | | | | | No | | Select | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | REACH workers Martell Hedge Sr and Kevin Jordan in downtown Pittsburgh | | | | City Solutions: To Prevent or Interrupt ViolenceContact REACH | | | | Support and Street Outreach for Pittsburgh's GVI violence prevention strategy is known as REACH. REACH workers are community leaders who interact with individuals of any age who have been impacted by violence or are at risk due to their circumstances or acquaintances. They are selected based on their individual experience, relationships and historical knowledge and are now embedded in communities across the City of Pittsburgh. | | | | | | | | | | 1-833-44REACHorreach@centerthatcares.org | | | | Here are some December 2022 successes from the REACH team (as reported by team members): | | | | - I was called by parents of 3 students at a Pittsburgh high school. The girls have been fighting and going back and forth all school year. I met with parents the principal and vice principal also security. We got some things done. More meetings will be needed before it gets resolved. - Attempted to do a home visit with a caseload client who has been having issues at school with behavior and attendance and becoming distant from any kind of help. The was not home but did reach out via phone and said he is still wanting to be part of mentoring and plans on going to school more consistent. I will follow up with the student school during visits next week. - Was called by two of my younger mentees who has been walking home from school, got into some sort of altercation with a young adult who pulled over got out of his vehicle and threatened them. They were scared to continue to walk home from school, so I left the center got in my vehicle to go meet them. I was able to catch up with them on the route home and safely transport them home. After a long safety talk with them and them giving me a description of the young adult I was able to pinpoint who it was, made a phone call, was able to get him to come back and meet us so we were able to peacefully discuss the small misunderstanding, with no problems remaining between any of the parties. | | | | For an outstanding January 27, 2023 WESA-FM story on REACH, click below. Pictured is REACH worker Devon Madden. | | | | | | | | REACH is funded by the City of Pittsburgh through a contract with the Hill District's Center That Cares. REACH General Manager is The Reverend Glenn Grayson. Program Manager is Antoine Bailey and Supervisors are Vaughn Rivers (Zones 1 and 2), Terri Minor Spencer (Zones 3 and 6) and Ayo Young (Zones 4 and 5). If you become aware of a situation which could benefit from the presence of REACH workers OR if you know an individual who needs support, mentoring or resources to avoid trouble, please contact REACH at 1-833-44REACH. | | | | | | Poll #4: Have you ever seen the REACH team or MAD DADS in downtown Pittsburgh? | | | Yes | | Select | | | | | | | | No | | Select | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | City Solutions:2022 STOP The ViolenceCommunity Investment Grant Funded Programs- Part 1 | | | | Community organizations receiving 2022 Stop The Violence Community Investment Grants are located in each police zone. They were selected from over 100 applicants and received a total of almost $1 million. Collectively, these groups constitute the City's first cohort of Violence Prevention Partners. | | | | Beginning this month is part 1 of a listing of all funded projects. Organizations are listed in alphabetical order. Descriptions include police zone and a brief overview of the project. Additional projects will be listed next month. 1 Hood Media Academy - City-wide Organize and implement a violence prevention campaign beginning in 2023 with a cohort of 10 to 15 youth, ages 16 to 24. They will create a training curriculum for developing and implementing a youth-led violence prevention campaign and launch the violence prevention campaign. Participants will be recruited from U-Prep, Obama, Westinghouse, Brashear, Allderdice, Sci-Tech and Perry High Schools. The total number of individuals impacted by the media effort includes the participating individuals and up to 5,000 viewers of the media produced. Coordinated by Jasiri X. 1 Nation Mentoring - Zones 3 & 6Contract with a trauma therapist to begin overcoming trauma sessions for 15 students at Brashear High School. Also increase mentor opportunities for participation and expand the number of participants in our programs by 20%. Coordinated by Kevin McNair. 5A Elite Youth Empowerment - Zone 610-15 youth participants completing assessments and utilization workshops, learning to leverage their results in a team environment. 100% of assessments will be completed in early 2023, while workshops will be ongoing over the duration of the program. 10-15 youth participants will complete 12 human centered design and holistic wellness training sessions by May 2023. Produce (A) pilot program design outline, as well as a launch and sustainability plan and (B) public facing document highlighting facts, findings, barriers and recommendations discovered by the students. Coordinated by Nathaniel Brown. 25 Carrick Avenue Project - Zone 3Launch regular afterschool programming targeted at youth 15-20 that will include DJ workshops, Sports Video Production team, and event production program, meeting regularly at 25 Carrick Ave and the Phillips Park Recreation Center. These sessions will total to 48 and engage a broad range of students. Host a series of community events that are planned by the youth that incorporates performances, video game tournaments, cooking classes and community events at the end of the school year and through the summer. In preparation for this event, we will hire 8-10 local youth to curate, market, and produce the events leading up to and including the year-end celebration. Coordinated by Jordan Gilliam and Peter Spynda (Executive Director). Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation - City-wideDevelop an individualized action plan for each student (ages 13-18) in their existing cohort and their caregiver, then regularly monitor students’ grades, school attendance, and infractions; offer weekly virtual one-on-one tutoring, establish a rapport with school counselors and maintain contact; assist students with the college recruiting process; and when applicable, implement staff-led workshops (i.e., time management, organization); provide each student with a minimum of 6 career exploration opportunities. Maintain direct contact with student caregivers; offer a minimum of 15 hours of skills development to students and families; engage students and immediate families in “family fun activities” (board games, competitions, trivia); and host 2 “parent-only” opportunities. Coordinated by Akita Donald. Abiding Missions - Zone 3Train youth peacemakers by hosting a 12-week series of speakers at their facility in Allentown. These speakers will explore peacemaking and the work that is happening in their communities. By end of the series, youth will be able to identify at least 5 community leaders they can turn to for advice and leadership in times of need. Provide a location for youth to gather that is free from violence and promotes peace. Increase participation in our weekly Adult Fellowship Breakfast by 100% by June 2023. Provide training in de-escalation and interpersonal skills to at least 10 adults from the Allentown community. Coordinated by Jordan Shoenberger. A’s Vision - Zone 3 Prepare at least 5 young males in the city of Pittsburgh (ages 16-22), primarily from south side neighborhoods to become self-sufficient, responsible and career ready individuals by helping them get their driver's license. Once the first five complete the program, they will continue with more students until funds are depleted. Holding up to two financial literacy classes in which at least 10 youth will be taught a banking 101 course and upon completion will be paid a stipend to open their savings account on the spot. Also engage zone 3 Pittsburgh Police to discuss police and citizen interaction during traffic stops with the new drivers. Coordinated by Aaron Wade. Basketball Dreamz - Zone 1 Provide sports related out-of-school time youth mentoring and academic support with lifeskills, including workshops and training on cultural diversity and inclusion, psychotherapy, trauma, restorative passages, the impact of crime and violence on families, communities, youth development, etc., personal development (self-esteem, self-control, self-worth, and self-respect). Coordinated by Mike Dixon. Bible Center Church - Zone 5 Add mental health counseling and an evidence-based violence prevention curriculum to positively influence students' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors around the inappropriateness of violence as a strategy to resolve conflict to existing programming in Homewood. They will reach students in Lincoln and Faison Elementary Schools and students in their summer programs. Coordinated by Cynthia Wallace. Brothers & Sisters Emerging - Zone 5 Training about 15 neighborhood youth aged 7 to 14 to develop and maintain healthy and positive relationships utilizing a Coaching Boys to Men curriculum. Also working to increase program participants in basic BASE programs and adding program components including African American history, understanding the impact of rap music and making good choices. Brothers & Sisters Emerging also operates the Garfield Gators youth sports program. Coordinated by Bob Jones. | | | | The entire list of 2022 grant recipients and funded programs will soon be posted on the Department of Public Safety's Violence Prevention website. To see it, just click HERE. If you would like contact information on any of the grantees, please contact the STOP the Violence Office. These grants are a component of the Pittsburgh Plan For Peace that will compliment the existing work being done by the City's Group Violence Intervention Support and Outreach efforts, including the REACH team. These violence prevention efforts are made possible by the City's STOP the Violence Trust Fund. The Trust Fund was created in 2020 partially in response to protests after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. | | | | | | Poll #5: Do you want to know more about the City's violence prevention partner activities? | | | Yes | | Select | | | | | | | | No | | Select | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Special Appeal:For Officer Jeffrey Crawford Officer Jeffrey Crawford is a dedicated Pittsburgh Community Engagement Officer based in Zone 5. He is in need of a kidney donor. Please share the information below. Thank you. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Solutions Archive:Cure Violence-Part 1 Another Nationally Known Evidence Based Violence Prevention StrategyCure Violence is a violence interruption strategy working to interrupt violence at the source and treats violence as a disease that spreads from person to person. Three core components of this strategy include interrupting the transmission of violence, reducing the risk of violence acts by those at the highest risk and changing community norms. The model relies on the efforts of community outreach workers who have deep and sustained relationships in the neighborhoods where they operate, enabling them to effectively engage with youth and community. | | | | The Cure Violence strategy has been adopted by Allegheny County's Health Department and Department of Human Services. Cure Violence was researched and launched by Dr. Gary Slutkin. More from Dr. Slutkin is below: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Solutions: Let Us Know UsingStopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.Gov Are you aware of a NON-EMERGENCY situation that has the potential to turn violent but doesn’t yet need police attention? This could include a dispute, feud, insult, social media post, party, sporting event, fight being planned or even a rumor. It could involve school students or adults of any age, men or women. If you are, please contact the City of Pittsburgh's STOP the Violence Office using email address: StopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.Gov. | | | | "I think our expert outreach team has the ability to intervene in almost any situation if we have some notice. I encourage school personnel, sports team coaches, pastors, neighbors, and concerned community members to look out for the people they care about and report anything or anyone that could turn violent" said Jay Gilmer, the Department of Public Safety's STOP the Violence Coordinator. | | | | | | | | | | "Our goal is to resolve situations before violence occurs and police are necessary". If you know someone who needs a bit of help to avoid getting involved in activities that could lead to violence and someone becoming a statistic, please let us know. Help might include advice, family assistance, recovery, support from peers, or even a place to go. | | | | According to Reverend Cornell Jones, Director of Outreach for the City of Pittsburgh, "this information sharing email address is to enable us to know how to best use our outreach resources to prevent or interrupt violence. If we know about a situation or event with enough notice, our presence might be able to prevent something without anyone getting hurt or arrested. We want to see situations resolved before they escalate and result in someone getting hurt or going to jail." | | | | | Reverend Cornell JonesDirector of Outreach | | | | When you send the email, please leave a few details and the neighborhood you are writing from. You will receive an initial response within 2 business days. The City of Pittsburgh STOP the Violence Office has access to many resources and partner organizations who would be pleased to help you or your friend. The STOP the Violence Office is part of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety but is not the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. | | | | THIS EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT AN EMERGENCY HOTLINE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CALLIING 911 OR 311 IF VIOLENCE IS READY TO BREAK OUT, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Something You Can Do:Pray For Peace and Against Violence | | | | Anyone can pray for peace and against violence either alone or as part of the STOP the Violence Prayer Team. If prayer is important to you, please pray whenever and wherever possible against violence. | | | | According to Pastor Paul Roberts of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Liberty, regular praying "keeps peace in the mind and heart of out community. It causes us to discuss and ask questions like what should we be doing." | | | | If you, your pastor or spiritual leader or your place of worship or church sign up for the non-denominational prayer team, you will receive periodic prayer request emails and notices about faith-based initiatives to prevent violence and increase peace in our community. You can sign up HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | Training: Community Violence Intervention | | | | Across the country, cities are utilizing violence prevention strategies that are similar to Pittsburgh's and use a combination of Group Violence Intervention, Cure Violence, community partnerships and other elements. Now known as Community Violence Intervention (or CVI), these approaches attempt o coordinate efforts for maximum results. Key to all efforts is continuous community education about the available resources and interventions and the results. You can see Baltimore's strategy here: | | | | | | | | | | | | Mayor Gainey's Pittsburgh Plan for Peace is a CVI strategy. You can find it here: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Group Violence Intervention + Pittsburgh's Group Violence Intervention initiative (GVI) is a proven strategy to reduce shootings and homicides in urban neighborhoods by using a multi-aspect strategy: - informed street outreach and social services to prevent violence, - involved community members reinforcing community norms rejecting violence; and - law enforcement in partnership with the community when other means are not effective. For additional information on GVI, including its history and rationale, see this hour-long webinar from Mayors Against Illegal Guns entitled Re-imagining Public Safety: Group Violence Intervention and Intimate Partner Intervention: Webinar. The password is: MAIGUn1versity! Pittsburgh’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) violence prevention strategy, including the complete logic model, was featured in the October 2021 STOP the Violence Newsletter which can be accessed HERE. Support and outreach for GVI are coordinated by Rev. Cornell Jones, Director of Outreach who can be contacted at cornell.jones@pittsburghpa.gov. Street Outreach for the City of Pittsburgh is contracted to The Center that Cares' Reach team. Their General Manager is The Reverend Glenn Grayson, Program Manager is Antoine Bailey and Supervisors are Vaughn Rivers (Zones 1 and 2), Terri Minor Spencer (Zones 3 and 6) and Ayo Young (Zones 4 and 5). They can be reached at 1-833-44REACH. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | GVI Support & Outreach: Pittsburgh’s Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention-Part 1 was featured in the August 2021 STOP the Violence Newsletter which can be accessed HERE. Part 2, including GVI and its complete logic model, was featured in the October 2021 Newsletter and can be accessed HERE. How does support and outreach work? Recent research on GVI’s support and outreach component was released this month by the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC). The report explains that in GVI, traditional “social services'' are replaced with a structure “tailored to members of the special core street population, their situation, and their needs.” This is done because “many GVI clients are not ready for traditional social services like remedial education and employment training … these clients instead receive ‘support and outreach.’ Support is defined as ‘providing centralized and accessible services for people at high risk of violence.’” Outreach is defined as ‘’making deliberate, persistent, and consistent connections to people involved in violence to foster new relationships and build community.” Support and Outreach Best PracticesNNSC’s research from around the country has shown that effective outreach and support includes these best practices: - The Goal: Staying alive and out of prison. - Actually reach out. - Protect from risk. - Address trauma. - Provide critical resources. - Support the whole family. - Connect to traditional services. For the entire report on Support and Outreach, click HERE. How you can helpCommunity efforts to compliment the GVI strategy are encouraged. Rev. Jones states: “Other community members, businesses and ministries can help too, even if they don’t have the skills to be an outreach worker, they can help us by sharing resources that can be directed towards the vulnerable population. We need everything that community members need in order to be successful from food to employment to fatherhood and motherhood support.” To get involved, please send an email to the STOP the Violence Office by clicking HERE. | | | | | | | | Webinar Series: Gun Violence and Public Health | | | | Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore and Seattle Council President Lorena Gonzalez headed the list of speakers in a ten hour webinar on August 18 and 19, 2021 organized by the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at John Jay College to help journalists and the public gain greater understanding on efforts to address the rising levels of gun violence in at-risk communities. | | | | | | | The series focused on prevention and intervention strategies. Leaders of community intervention strategies and programs in Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Sacramento discussed what is and isn’t working in their cities. Pittsburgh’s efforts compare quite favorably with these efforts. The webinar consists of seven sessions, each lasting from 30 to 90 minutes. A table of contents is available so you can watch a particular session. Please take a look HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Conflict Resolution Training If you would like more information on violence prevention and some suggestions on ways to be involved with anti-violence activities, please click on and watch the two-hour training video to the right. This training was conducted in January 2021. Our outreach teams include violence interrupters, but there are lots of other roles to play. After viewing the training video, please let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to be involved! | | | | | | | | | | | | Webinar: How to Heal After a Homicide For an insightful discussion on healing from trauma and access to resources necessary to heal after a loss, experts Dr. Toya Jones (Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work) and Valerie Dixon (Director of Family and Community Support for the Center for Victims) see the recorded video: How to Heal After a Homicide. This 37 minute video was recorded in January 2022. Just click below to see the video: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Facts & Stats:
From January 2023 Below are selected crime statistics from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. These statistics are from the period January 1 to January 31, 2023. These only cover the City, not any areas of Allegheny County which are outside of the City. A few notes can be found after the charts. |
| | | IMPORTANT NOTE: The Non-fatal shooting incidents reported below includes only incidents, it is not a count of victims. ___________________________________ A few statistics of note: - The total number of homicides in January increased from 4 in 2022 to 6 in 2023 (up 50%). - The total number of non-fatal shooting incidents in January decreased from 11 in 2022 to 7 in 2023. - 6 homicides in January 2022 is more than in any January since before 2019. - 7 non-fatal shooting incidents in January is lower than in January 2021 or 2022. - There were no homicides in police zones 1 or 4 in January and no non-fatal shooting incidents in zones 1, 2, 4 or 6. - In January, the most homicides were in Zones 2 and 3 (2 each). - Also in January, there were non-fatal shooting incidents only in Zones 3 and 5. Using a public health approach to violence prevention means attempting to understand the proximate and secondary causes of violence and tailoring solutions to fit the impacted population. There is no one answer. The combined work of all community institutions will be necessary to permanently change the culture of violence. If you are interested in working to change these statistics and increase the peace in the City of Pittsburgh, please click HERE to contact the STOP the Violence Office. What will you do to help? | | | | | | | | | | | | City of Pittsburgh Police Zones: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | IMPORTANT NOTE: The Non-fatal shooting incidents reported above includes only incidents, it is not a count of victims. Any incident with more than one victim counts as just one incident. | | | | | | | | | | More Facts & Stats: 2022 Victim Analysis | | | | | | | | Below is an analysis of homicide and non-fatal shooting victims in the City of Pittsburgh during 2022. These statistics from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. A few items of note from this analysis of victims: - Ages 0 through 17 had 9 homicides and 28 non-fatal shooting victims in 2022. - Ages 18 through 30 had 27 homicides and 90 non-fatal shooting victims in 2022. - Ages 31 through 40 had 21 homicides and 36 non-fatal shooting victims in 2022. - Ages 41 and over had 14 homicides and 42 non-fatal shooting victims in 2022. - Ages 18 and 29 had the most homicide victims (5 each). - Age 23 had the most non-fatal shooting victims (14). - Homicide victims were 89% male and 86% black. - Non-fatal shooting victims were 77% male and 89% black. - 70% of non-fatal shooting incidents had multiple victims in 2022. - 30% of non-fatal shooting incidents had multiple victims in 2021. Crime statistics are sometimes challenging to understand. If you or your organization would like to explore these statistics with one of the experts in the Crime Analysis Unit, please click HERE and send us an email. | | | | | | | | Note: NFS (Non-Fatal Shooting) statistics reported above indicate non-fatal shooting incidents, not victims. | | | | | | | | | | | | Analysis of 2022 Homicide Victims Total homicides in 2022 = 71 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Analysis of 2022 Non-fatal Shooting Victims Total non-fatal shooting victims in 2022 = 194Total non-fatal shooting incidents in 2022 = 137 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Poll #6: Is anything in this 2022 victim analysis surprising to you? | | | Yes | | Select | | | | | | | | No | | Select | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Coming Events If you want to receive periodic event announcements or are aware of an anti-violence event that is open to the public, please click HERE to send us a notice or announcement. Thank you. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Tips for You: Tip #1:Parents: Start Making Summer Plans for Your Kids Summer will be here in a few months, so parents should NOW be seeking out and making plans for their children. Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have hundreds, perhaps thousands of good summer programs for kids of all ages. With just a bit of work, any child with an interest in sports, academics, arts, technology, nature, animals, science, faith, or anything else can have a great, productive and safe summer. Here are a few places to look: - For summer camps - For summer jobs - For summer school If you still can't find the right programs, please click HERE to send am email to the Pittsburgh Office of Community Services and Violence Prevention. Tip #2:Learn How to Peacefully Resolve Conflicts & Teach Those Techniques to Others Conflicts are the cause of most violent incidents. Violence prevention will require all of us learning some methods to peacefully resolve conflicts. While this tip may seem obvious, the prevalence of violence among community members suggests that more teaching and practicing is necessary. There are plenty of strategies, tools, articles, consultants, videos, books and other ways to learn how to peacefully resolve conflicts. Here are a few: News Report: Nonprofits, schools train teens to settle their own argumentsArticle: Conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention Video: Conflict Resolution and Communicating Without Violence There are solutions. Take a look, learn, teach, and apply. | | | | | | | | Your Public Safety CouncilNeeds YOU! Your zone's Public Safety Council is a place to go to stay aware of important developments relating to public safety in your police zone. It's also a great place to get to know your local police on a personal basis. Public Safety Councils are run by residents and are open to all. The usual meeting schedule is: Zone 1: First Thursday at 5:30 pm Zone 2: Third Wednesday at 5:30 pm Zone 3: Fourth Thursday at 6:00 pm Zone 4: Third Thursday at 6:30 pm Zone 5: Second Tuesday at 7:00 pm Zone 6: Fourth Thursday at 6:30 pm For connecting or other information about your Public Safety Council, click on the zone to send an email to the appropriate SaferTogether Coordinator: Zones 1 & 5: Emily Embrey Zones 2 & 3: Ian ReynoldsZones 3 & 6: John Tokarski | | | | | | | | Call Us If You Become Aware of a Dispute If you hear of a school, social media or community dispute that needs to be defused before it leads to violence, please let us know. We would like to take positive steps to resolve such disputes before law enforcement must be called. Please report any such disputes or issues to: STOP the Violence Office or text to 412-522-7286. | | | | | | | | Domestic Violence Help: Violence is not an acceptable method to resolve issues between friends or partners. If there are threats, please seek help! When in danger, call 911 immediately. Some other resources are in the Domestic Violence Resource Guide is reproduced below and can be accessed HERE. | | | | | January Poll Responses Poll #1: Do you know anyone who could benefit from the services of A's Vision? - Yes 56% - No 44% Poll #2:Do you know any coaches who could benefit from the AD99 Coaches Clinic? - Yes 54% - No 46% Poll #3:Do you like to see reports and photos from community events in this Newsletter? - Yes 78% - No 22% Poll #4:Did you listen to the WESA ratio feature on REACH? - Yes 25% - No 75% Poll #5: Do you know any organization that could benefit from one of these (Hear Foundation) grants? - Yes 54% - No 23% Poll #6:Are you familiar with any of the groups which received funds from PCCD? - Yes 58% - No 42% Poll #7:Do you like the Violence Prevention Partners logo? - Yes 67% - No 33% Poll #8:Have you ever encountered an incident that might turn into violence? - Yes 46% - No 54% Poll #9:Do you like to see the victim analysis in the Newsletter? - Yes 60% - No 40% Poll #10:Have you ever shared a Stop the Violence Newsletter with anyone? - Yes 48% - No 52% Poll #11:Do you like seeing poll results in the Newsletter? - Yes 55% - No 45% Thank you for responding. What can you do to help? | | | | | | | | Previous Newsletters Click on the dates below to find past issues of the City of Pittsburgh STOP the Violence Newsletter: JANUARY 2023 DECEMBER 2022NOVEMBER 2022OCTOBER 2022SEPTEMBER 2022AUGUST 2022JULY 2022JUNE 2022MAY 2022APRIL 2022MARCH 2022FEBRUARY 2022JANUARY 2022 DECEMBER 2021NOVEMBER 2021OCTOBER 2021SEPTEMBER 2021AUGUST 2021JULY 2021JUNE 2021MAY 2021APRIL 2021MARCH 2021FEBRUARY 2021JANUARY 2021 DECEMBER 2020 NOVEMBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 | | | | | | | | Do You Have Any Ideas? The Stop the Violence Newsletter is produced monthly by Jay Gilmer, Coordinator of the STOP the Violence Office of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety. Please send any ideas, notices or suggestions to: STOP the Violence Office. | | | | | | | | | | Solutions:Community Resources:Who Needs Help? There Are PLENTY of Outstanding Services Available for YOU in the City of Pittsburgh | | | | A key part of the City’s violence prevention strategy is increasing the awareness of residents of those services that can help people form positive identities. All research indicates that the most important predictor of successful personal choices is a positive purpose. When someone is on their way to something that is attainable and surrounded by people pursuing positive goals, then they are less likely to become involved with negative behaviors. | | | | | | | The STOP the Violence Newsletter is committed to making residents aware of services that can assist community members of all ages in forming those positive identities. | | | | These listings do not contain ALL available services -- there are dozens of services in each police zone. Additional services will be added frequently. These listings are not advertisements or endorsements. They are to make you aware of opportunities for you and the people you know and care about. | | | | If you are aware of a service that should be mentioned in a future STOP the Violence Newsletter, please send the necessary information HERE.If your organization wants to be listed or update its information, please send the necessary information HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Don't hesitate to call. For more information on the Lifeline, including statistics on effectiveness and how YOU can become a trained responder, please click HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zones 3 & 6:Youth & Family Mentoring & Support 1 Nation Mentoring412-389-7555 1 Nation provides in-school based mentoring at Brashear High School, out-of-school time structured activities, including academic support, personal accountability and empowerment workshops, and summer camp for youth ranging from 5th grade through High school. Kevin McNair is Executive Director. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Citywide:Youth Mentoring 2 Tenths Foundation(2 Tenths Speed and Agility)412-728-7251 Founded by DeWayne Brown, and now assisted by Executive Director Rick "Biggs" Bigelow, 2 Tenths focuses on athletic training, mentoring, restorative justice, mental wellness and youth advocacy. Athletic training takes place at the Steelers practice facility on the Southside. Other activities are at Warrington Recreation Center and other locations in the South Hills. "I have been volunteering with them for the past few years and the amount of kids (a few hundred monthly) that we try to keep off of the street is impactful. These kids will tell you that if they weren’t training with us, that they may have entertained some unhealthy behaviors." said Nicole White of Manchester. Athletic training is available for athletes of all ages, from midget league to adults, men and women. For further information, see their website HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 3:Youth Mentoring & Support-STEM Education 25 Carrick Avenue Project412-885-4327 25 Carrick Avenue Project provides youth development and skills training from its location in Carrick. Program areas include entertainment and event technology, education, workforce development. Key staff members include Pete Spynda, Executive Director, Jordan Gilliam, Director of Education, and Trevaun Hairston, Outreach Coordinator. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Citywide:Youth Mentoring Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation Founded by NFL star Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams, the AD 99 Solutions Foundation provides mentoring, academic support, and lifeskills training for selected high school athletes; a summer sports skills camp; and periodic clinics to youth sports coaches. For further information, see their website HERE, or contact Akita Donald, Executive Director or Rita Gillcrease, Program Coordinator. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Center for Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents 1-412-330-4328 Offering world-renowned expertise in evaluating and treating children who have experienced traumatic life events or live with post-traumatic stress disorder. A program of Allegheny Health Network. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5:Youth Mentoring & Support - Academics Bible Center Church-The Maker's Clubhouse 1-412-242-4920 Offers afterschool STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math) and socio-economic learning programming in Faison and Lincoln Schools. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 3:Youth Development & Family Support The Brashear Association412-431-2236 The Brashear Association serves community members in South Pittsburgh neighborhoods and works with them to solve challenges they may be facing. The Executive Director is Beltzhoover native Andrea Matthews. Programs include: - Food, utility and rental assistance - Employment services - After-school youth programming for anyone in grades K-12 For further information, see their website HERE or send an email HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5: Youth Mentoring & Support - Athletics & Academics Brothers & Sisters Emerging 5315 Hillcrest Street - Garfield 1-412-404-2250 Serving boys and girls ages 7 through 17. Offering mentoring, tutoring, cultural and educational activities, recreation and parent information. Operating after-school and summer camp programs. Also home of the Garfield Gators. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Center for Victims Hotline: 1-866-644-2882 Caring, professional staff is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to respond to emergency needs of crime victims and witnesses, answer questions, and provide support. You can also call: Valerie Dixon at the Center for Victims at 1-412-403-0194 or vdixon@venterforvictims.org. Darnell Drewery at the Center for Victims at 1-412-758-9237 or ddrewery@centerforvictims.org. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 4:Youth & Family Mentoring & Support Center Of Life412-521-3468Center of Life, based in Hazelwood, provides families and youth with the lifeskills, education, training and resources necessary to be strong and to make their communities strong. They have a variety of programs including after-school activities for youth in grades K-12, plus family services and resources. Key staff include Reverend Tim Smith, Kiyomi Knox, DaVonne Fuller, Sarah Crawshaw, and Meg Mszyco. For more information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 2:Youth Mentoring & Support Center That Cares1-412-26-CARES CARES offers programs for pre-k through grade 12 – and beyond. They are committed to uplifting and transforming the lives of people of all ages through education, recreation, cultural enrichment, and thoughtful guidance. For youth in pre-k through 5th grade, Cares offers nurturing, academic tutoring, recreational activities, and enrichment seminars. For grades 6 to 12, Cares offers academic tutoring, career counseling, college and vocational school admissions assistance, and enrichment seminars. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5: Youth Mentoring, Family Support & Workforce Development CEA-Community Empowerment Association 7120 Kelly Street - Homewood 1-412-371-3689 Offering a variety of youth development programs for youth, including Asante Nation Safe Passage After-School, Kamp Kuumba, Saturday University Out-of-School Programming and African-American Leadership Institute. Also offers workforce development for all ages. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | City-wide:Reentry Divine Intervention Ministries412-621-0622 Founded by Debra Germany after the murder of her son, Divine Intervention Ministries provides employment services and wraparound supportive services necessary for successful re-entry. the IMPACT Program, an 8-week faith-based program that provides a forum for intensive self-reflection and redirection, practical resources, after care/reentry services and mentoring support to the individuals incarcerated at Renewal, Inc. For further information, see their website HERE or send an email to Debra Germany, Executive Director HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5:Youth Mentoring & Support East End Cooperative Ministry -EECM412-345-7172 EECM offers a variety of in-school and after-school programs for youth of all ages. Programs include elementary educational support, media and musical outreach, girls enrichment and empowerment, sport (including hockey, volleyball, basketball cycling and more. They are work inside Obama and Westinghouse high Schools as well as many Zone 5 middle and elementary schools. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5: East Liberty Family Health Care Center412-661-2802 A Federally Qualified Health Care Center providing a full range of medical, dental, pediatric, prenatal, and behavioral health services including staff therapists and a chaplain. Locations in East Liberty, Lincoln-Lemington and Wilkinsburg. Even if you don’t have insurance, please come. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Western Pennsylvania:Parenting Resources Fathers Collaborative Council of Western PA The role of active parents to community and individual safety cannot be overemphasized. Many resources exist to help for both fathers and mothers. One such resource is the Fathers Collaborative Council of Western PA. The FCCWPA is made up of over over 20 organizations with resources for fathers and families. Their first monthly newsletter can be found HERE. | | | | | | | | | | For information on the Fathers Collaborative Council of Western PA, including membership and resources, click HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Foundation of HOPE 540 Suismon StreetPittsburgh, PA 15212 Offering a variety of programs to prevent incarceration, chaplaincy and pre-release to serve individuals in Allegheny County Jail and aftercare to prevent recidivism. For information on their support community for reentering citizens, their families and community members, send an email HERE. Please call if you need help or want to help: Adult or Youth Diversion: 412-321-3343Allegheny County Jail Chaplaincy: 412-350-2057Allegheny County Jail Pre-Release: 412-350-1322Jail or Prison Aftercare: 412-321-3343 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | GriefShare Numerous Locationsin Allegheny County GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements: a video lesson, in-person group discussion, and personal reflection. This weekly group is free (just purchase the workbook online), open to anyone, and is offered in numerous locations in western Pennsylvania. The 13 week series features a video and optional discussion. To be part of the next series, just find a location and sign up on the website at www.griefshare.org. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Downtown: Highmark Caring Place 620 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 888-224-4673 As a peer support program, the Caring Place provides an environment where children, teens and adults can receive support from others their own ages who are going through very similar experiences, such as the loss of a parent or other loved one. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5:Youth Mentoring & Support - Academics Homewood Children's Village1-412-727-7605 Offering holistic support to students at Lincoln PreK-5, Faison K-5 and Westinghouse High School. They use an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 1: Youth Development & Violence Prevention Infinite Lifestyle Solutions412-345-1366 Infinite Lifestyle Solutions provides a variety of services to Northside school students and their parents. Programs include: - Restorative Safe Passages, to reduce violence and provide safety before and after school - Saving Our Sons & Daughters, to help youth who have suffered from trauma through violence - Teen Dating Violence Prevention, to help young participants to navigate healthy relationships To get involved or for further information, please contact Cecilia Ware, Founder and Executive Director by clicking HERE or see their website HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Jeremiah’s Place 6435 Frankstown Avenue 15206 (Larimer) 412-924-0726 Pittsburgh’s only crisis nursery. It provides emergency child care services for children ages 0-6 for a few hours or days based on the needs of each individual family. All services provided are free, available for 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | City-wide:Street Outreach and Violence Intervention MAD DADSGreaterPittsburghMadDads@gmail.com MAD DADS are concerned men from the community who want to be a positive presence on the streets. Over the years, they have learned that presence matters. They can regularly be seen in communities including downtown, Homewood, Hill District, Turtle Creek, Wilkinsburg and East Hills. | | | | | | | | | | All interested drug-free men who care are invited to join. With more men, MAD DADS can be present in more communities. There's even a Moms Division for interested women. To get started, please see the Greater Pittsburgh Area MAD DADS Facebook page or contact MAD DADS at GreaterPittsbrughMADDADS@gmail.com. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Melanin Mommies Latrice “Phoenix” Rose started Melanin Mommies out of a concern for family members of victims who are affected by grief and trauma. After doing a survey of families who lost someone, she realized that mental health services weren’t always offered to them. Even for those few families that received some counseling resources, they needed more for their families and children because the grief didn’t stop. Do you need help coping with your loss? Is your child struggling to cope with the loss of a parent or sibling? Please sign up for the next Melanin Mommies Mental Healing Cohort. It will meet for 12 weeks every Saturday at 10:30 am. For more information, see the Melanin Mommies Facebook page or contact Latrice Rose at at Info@melaninmommiespgh.org. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5:Men’s Huddle Group Paul B. Jones, Sr. experienced the death of his 19 year old son Jeremiah in 2017. He formed The Men’s Huddle Group as a support group for fathers who have lost children to gun violence and otherwise. The Men’s Huddle Group meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Liberty (250 Highland Avenue, 15206 – across from Home Depot). For additional information, contact Paul Jones via email at jonzboyz@aol.com or call anytime (24/7) at 412-613-1912. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The MOMS GroupSupport For Mothers Tina Ford of Clairton formed Mothers of Murdered Sons (The MOMS Group) after the loss of her son in 2019. The MOMS Group meets in Clairton on the third Saturday of each month. All are welcome, just call Tina in advance for the location. If transportation is a problem, just call Tina – MOMS sometimes arranges transportation or makes home visits to provide support. For more information, see the MOMS Group Facebook page HERE or contact Tina Ford at 412-219-7157 or Momsgroup2020@gmail.com.. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Citywide:Youth Mentoring Mount Ararat Community Activity Center (MACAC) Mentoring Program412-441-5405 MACAC Mentoring provides one to one and group mentoring for youth age 11-18 years old (grades 6-12) and enrichment activities including career readiness; life skills and spiritual development activities, field trips, academic enrichment and fun. All activities are based at the Mt. Ararat Community Activity Center, 745 North Negley Avenue Pgh, PA 15206. | | | | | | | | | | Mentoring for 6th-8th grade is offered Thursday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (dinner served). Mentoring for grades 9-12 is offered Monday-Friday 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm (a monthly stipend for attendance may be available). They are also recruiting adult mentors to join their team. Please contact Program Director Jeffrey Nash if you're interested. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Citywide:Neighborhood Resilience Project412-261-1234 The Trauma Response Team cares for the acute needs of family and friends of homicide victims of gun violence across all of Allegheny County. Dan Emerick, MDiv, MSW – Trauma Response Team Manager | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 4: Youth Development & Mentoring, Workforce Development P.O.O.R.L.A.W.1-412-670-8421 Based in Hazelwood, POORLAW offers mentoring for youth from ages 5 and up, intergenerational sharing and workforce development. For further information, please see their website by clicking HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 1:Youth & Family Mentoring & Support Project Destiny412-231-1258Project Destiny operates from 5 locations on the Northside and provides a variety of services to youth and families. Services include after-school programs from 3 to 6 pm daily, counseling, pre-school programs, and mentoring. The Reverend Dr. Brenda Gregg is Executive Director. Key staff include Jamella Hamlin, Daphne Curges, Gary Nolan and Darryl Goodwine. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 3:Youth Development and Mentoring Shadow Student Athlete Development Services412-708-4008 Shadow Student Athletes provides culturally responsive mentoring for student athletes using character coaches at public schools. These character coaches act as conflict specialists to support students, families and school staff by assisting in a variety of ways. The Executive Director is Von Madden. For further information, see their website HERE or send an email HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 3:Street Outreach, Youth Development and Mentoring South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace | | | | | | | South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace is home of the South Pittsburgh Peacemakers, a street outreach team which is available to prevent violence and intervene in situations which could lead to violence. They also offer educational workshops on violence prevention and community responses to violence. Two of their initiatives are described below. "Our primary focus in the community is to interrupt violence from occurring in Pittsburgh neighborhoods; however, if violence cannot be prevented, our mission is to provide a voice in the community, especially for children," said Rev. Eileen Smith, Executive Director. For further information, please contact Reverend Eileen Smith, Executive Director at 412-481-2777 or see their Facebook page. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | City-wide:Adult Workforce Development Trade Institute of Pittsburgh412-243-2970 Trade Institute of Pittsburgh provides skill training and wrap-around services for individuals interested in construction trades. Their primary location is in Homewood, but they accept students from across the region. Key staff include Donta Green, Executive Director, Kirk Gilbert, Case Manager and Chett Williams, Life Coach. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 1:Youth Mentoring & Support Urban Impact Foundation1-412-321-3811 Urban Impact provides a safe place for in and out-of-school programming opportunities for children from preschool through high school in various locations on the NorthSide. They offer 60+ unique programs, including: - Education/Academics - Athletics - Performing Arts - Options Workforce Readiness Learn more by visiting their website: ULIPgh.org. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5: Life Skills & Family Support-Housing WAVE-Willisae's Agency for Vision & Empowerment134 South Highland Avenue #6 - East Liberty1-412-573-9217 Offers trauma and life skills individual, group and family workshops and a variety of educational opportunities for entrepreneurship and job readiness. Also offers specialized counseling to prepare individuals and families to be emotionally, physically and financially fit to purchase a home. Also offers renters eviction coaching, credit and budget counseling. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5: Youth Mentoring & Support - Athletics Westinghouse Youth Wrestling1-412-709-0775 "Wrestling is one of the greatest sports for helping young kids build their character, develop self-confidence, improve discipline, and strengthen their will to succeed." For community youth from any school who are between ages 5 and 17. Participants also participate in outdoor experiences, goal setting and mentorship. For additional information, contact Justin Perkins, Director at the above telephone number or click HERE to send an email. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5:Youth Mentoring & Support YES - Youth Enrichment Services1-412-661-7834 YES provides socially and economically at risk youth the opportunity to achieve success through participation in mentorship, education, and enrichment programs. Mentorship is available to students who are ages 14-21, attending Pittsburgh Public Schools or schools in surrounding districts. Education programs include academics, employment preparation, leadership development and empowerment. To get involved as a mentor, volunteer or to enroll a student, just click HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | City-wide:Youth Development Youthplaces412-434-0851 Youthplaces offers out-of-school time activities for teens in safe places to learn, grow, play and succeed. It currently has locations on the Northside, Downtown, East Liberty, McKeesport and McKees Rocks. For further information, see their website HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Zone 5:Reentry Support Za'kiyah House412-353-9365412-595-6666 Za'Kiyah House provides housing, life skills and reentry support for men and women from several locations, including one in Homewood. Ronna Davis-Moore is the Executive Director. Key staff include Joseph Moore and Regina Pearson. For further information, click HERE for their website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Teen Dating Violence Since one in three teens is a victim of teen dating violence, you probably know someone who has been a victim. Click HERE for resources on teen dating violence. Click on the picture for a Teen Dating Violence Action Action Guide. | | | | | | | | | | | | Other: - Alma Illery Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Services Office: 412-244-4700 - City of Pittsburgh Dept. of Public Safety’s Victims of Crime Office: 412-707-2988 - Dr. Staci Ford, Trauma Recovery and Violence Intervention Specialist: 412-277-4616 - Jessica Gurley, LCSW: (412) 204-6934 - RESOLVE Crisis Center - 24 hours: 1-888-796-8226 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Poll #7: Should Community Resources be in a separate publication and not in this Newsletter? | | | Yes | | Select | | | | | | | | No | | Select | | | | | | | | | | | Sign up here to receive the monthly City of Pittsburgh STOP The Violence Newsletter | | | | | | | | | | | | City of Pittsburgh | 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 STOP the Violence Office | | | Unsubscribe jaygilmer@verizon.net | | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice | | Sent by stoptheviolence@pittsburghpa.gov powered by | | | Try email marketing for free today! | | |