In This Issue:


*Updates From Violence Prevention Partners*

*Citizens & Student Police Academies*

*Community Violence Intervention (CVI)*
*Hear Foundation Grants Available*

January 31, 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

  • Violence Prevention Partner Update: A's Vision
  • Violence Prevention Partner Event: Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation Coaches Clinic
  • Violence Prevention Partner Event: Westside Mustangs
  • Something You Can Do: Participate in the Next Student Police Academy
  • City Solutions: REACH for Support & Outreach to Prevent or Interrupt Violence
  • Something You Can Do: Participate in the Next Citizens Police Academy
  • Solutions: Hear Foundation Community Microgrants
  • Solutions: Over $21M in State Grants Awarded for Community Violence Intervention in Allegheny County
  • City Solutions: 2022 Stop The Violence Community Investment Grant Recipients
  • Solutions: More Community Resources: Who Needs Help?
  • 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 December 2022
  • More Facts and Stats: 2022 Victim Analysis
  • Facts & Stats Archive: Pittsburgh Police 2021 Annual Statistical Report
  • Coming Events: 2 Events Listed
  • Tips for You, Poll Responses & Previous Newsletters
  • More Community Resources: 39 Resources Listed
  • Domestic Violence Resource Guide
  • Preparing Your Home and Business for a Flood

Please complete the 10 polls in this Newsletter
(#10 is at the very end of the Newsletter)

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Violence Prevention Partner Update:


Youth Lifeskills Development
A’s Vision teaches teens how to become responsible drivers. Aaron Wade created A’s Vision in March of 2019 after the unexpected death of his son Aaron who was affectionately called “A”. Some of Wade’s most memorable bonding experiences with his son were when he was teaching him to drive. This inspired him to create A’s Vision, which has helped over 20 teens obtain their driver’s licenses.
Wade views having a license as a key to endless possibilities. “It’s the beginning of becoming a mature responsible adult…just taking that step and getting that done is important because it opens job opportunities and just gives you the freedom to be able to do whatever you want.” Wade’s vision is “giving our youth tools to live responsible, successful lives.” 
Aaron Wade
In November 2022, A’s Vision held its first Banking and Financial Fundamentals course at the McKinley Park Shelter. Five youth attended and each student that completed the course received $100 to open a savings account at PNC Bank. Their next class will be in February.
Wade knows from his own experience that “many of these youth that are a part of this violence and involved in the streets believe that the ONLY way they can be successful financially is by doing illegal things. That’s the way my peers and I were at that age. This course was a way of showing them that it’s absolutely not the way, but understanding and being smart with your finances will prevent them from going down the wrong path.”
He says although A’s Vision has not been in existence long, the community has responded well. “It’s been real good all the feedback we’ve been getting; so many kids have reached out. When I started, it was just a few kids from some programs that were on the Southside where I grew up. Over time the word spread around, and so many kids have reached out from all over city.”
A’s Vision received a Stop the Violence Community Investment Grant which helped sponsor the November event. 
 
For further information or to sign up for the next courses or for driving instruction, contact A’s Vision at avision5300@yahoo.com or click HERE.
Poll #1: Do you know anyone who could benefit from the services of A's Vision?
Yes
No
Violence Prevention Partner Event:

Coaches Clinic

All Coaches Are Invited to Sign Up!
Poll #2: Do you know any coaches who could benefit from the AD 99 Coaches Clinic?
Yes
No
Violence Prevention Partner Update:



Westside Mustangs Youth Athletic Association are a youth sports organization which provides athletic and lifeskills to youth. It is directed by Martin Langford and based in the Westside of the city of Pittsburgh. They encourage youth development by providing opportunities for personal and athletic growth. WMYAA will promote sportsmanship, self-esteem, and the development of life skills through engaging youth in sports and mentoring while providing a safe, healthy, positive environment where the youth of our community can learn the fundamentals of sports.
The Mustangs are a member of the Western Pennsylvania Youth Athletic Association (WPYAA) which received a City of Pittsburgh Stop the Violence Community Investment Grant in 2022. Each team operating in the City received an allocation of the WPYAA grant.
Their annual end-of-season event for youth participants, cheer and families was held on January 15, 2022 at Crafton Ingram Lanes. At the event, everyone received their trophy for participation and there was fun and food for all!

For additional information, please contact WMYAA at: westsidemustangs412@gmail.com
Martin Langford
One parent said she "would not want my son on any other team. The coaches n other team members of the organization really care and do for the kids. I've been with them since they started and will stay as long as i have children playing sports. I strongly recommend if you want your child to play. bring them to the west. where everyone truly loves and cares for the children of our community."
The trophy table
Poll #3: Do you like to see reports and photos from community events in this Newsletter?
Yes
No
Something You Can Do:
Participate in the Next
Student Police Academy

High School Students Can Sign Up Now!
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.




REACH workers Martell Hedge Sr and Kevin Jordan in downtown Pittsburgh
City Solutions:

REACH For Support & Outreach
To Prevent or Interrupt Violence
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.
1-833-44REACH
or
reach@centerthatcares.org
Here are some recent successes from the REACH team (as reported by team members):
  • One night around 10 p.m. I got a call that a young guy from the neighborhood’s life was in danger. I spoke with his father plenty of times to redirect his behavior and decisions, but he would only listen to me. I tried to plead with him for almost a year to get himself together, I got him jobs and got him onto several sporting teams that he wanted to be on. It wasn’t enough for him to stop the mischief that he was into. So I made a call to his mother and his uncle that lives in [another city]. I told his mother that her son probably wouldn’t survive through the weekend, she told me and his father that she would come and take him [away] to live with her (which he has been wanting). I kept him at my house for several days until she picked him up.

  • Picked up two young men (18), (20), to take them to dinner. We spoke about a strategic plan for their future, ate dinner we looked up several trade institutes for both to get involved in working the next two weeks, and scheduled for one of them to take their drivers exam online

  • GVI Outreach assisted with Violence Prevention in the Downtown Area for Light Up Night.

  • Worked at Westinghouse today to ensure kid safety. Today was a good day no issues until after school when a few parents fought off school grounds. No one was hurt and the fight was broken up and everyone went their own ways.
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: Did you listen to the WESA radio feature on REACH?
Yes
No
Something You Can Do:
Participate in the Next
Citizens 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.
Solutions:

Hear Foundation Community Microgrants
The Hear Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for its Community Microgrant Program. We are distributing grants of $10,000 to $20,000 to programs and ideas that work in our key focus areas: public safety, gun violence prevention, trauma/resilience, workforce development, and police/community relationship-building. Applications are due on February 15.

Applicants may request programmatic support for new or existing efforts. Preference will be given to proposals that contain elements of constructive interaction and relationship-building between individual residents and police officers, or are from organizations with a track record of collaboration with the police."
Leon Ford
The Hear Foundation is the first and only nonprofit in Pittsburgh dedicated exclusively to collaborating with community leaders, Pittsburgh Police, residents and the City to create a safe, thriving community for all.
Scott Schubert
Founded by Community Leader Leon Ford and former Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert, the Hear Foundation convenes events that bring police, the community, local leadership, and national experts together in meaningful ways to address the challenges of gun violence reduction, trauma, and workforce development.

For more information on The Hear Foundation, click HERE.
“Through our grantmaking efforts, The Hear Foundation supports local organizations that are on the ground, working directly with our youth and in our neighborhoods to make Pittsburgh a safe and thriving community for all. Funding provides them with the resources they need to increase collaboration and position them to do great things.” said Kamil Nigam, Executive DIrector
Poll #5: Do you know any organization that could benefit from one of these grants?
Yes
No
Solutions:

Over $21M 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 #6: Are you familiar with any of the groups which received funds from PCCD?
Yes
No
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.

The entire list of 2022 grant recipients can be found on the Department of Public Safety's Violence Prevention website. 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 #7: Do you like the Violence Prevention Partners logo?
Yes
No
Solutions:
More 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.
Services listed in previous Newsletters are now at the bottom of this Newsletter.

These listings do not contain ALL available services -- there are dozens of services in each police zone. Additional services will be added each month. Services may change based on neighborhood needs.

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.
Western Pennsylvania:
Parenting Resources


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.
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.
Solutions Archive:
Cure Violence-Part 1

Another Nationally Known Evidence Based Violence Prevention Strategy

Cure 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 through their Office of Violence Prevention. Implementation began in Wilkinsburg and is bring expanded to several additional locations in the County.

Cure Violence was researched and launched by Dr. Gary Slutkin. More from Dr. Slutkin is below:
Solutions:
 
Let Us Know Using
 
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 Jones
Director 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!
Poll #8: Have you ever encountered an incident that might turn into violence??
Yes
No


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 Practices
NNSC’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 help
Community 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.
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: Mind Always Matters

For more on grief support and mental health, see: Mind Always Matters, a POISE Foundation Community Conversation recorded November 18, 2021 with Jessica Gurley, LCSW and Julius Boatwright, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker).  This 75 minute discussion can be found HERE.
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 December 2022

Below are selected crime statistics from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. These statistics are from the period January 1 to December 31, 2022. 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. In April, one incident in Zone 1 had a total of 13 non-fatal victims (in addition to 2 people killed) and in October, one incident had a total of 4 non-fatal victims.
___________________________________

A few statistics of note:

  • The total number of homicides through December 2022 increased from 56 in 2021 to 71 in 2022 (up 27%).
  • The total number of non-fatal shooting incidents through December decreased from 170 in 2021 to 137 in 2022.
  • 5 homicides in December 2022 is more than the 3 in December 2021.
  • 8 non-fatal shooting incidents in December is lower than any month in 2022 except February.

  • There were no homicides in police zones 2, 3, or 4 in December and no non-fatal shooting incidents in zones 2, 3, 4 or 6.
  • In December, the most homicides were in Zones 1 and 5 (2 each).
  • Also in December, there were non-fatal shooting incidents only in Zones 1 (2 total) and 5 (6 total).
  • In 2022, the most homicides were in Zone 1 (19 homicides), followed by Zone 5 (17 homicides) and Zone 3 (14 homicides).
  • In 2022, the most non-fatal shooting incidents have been in Zone 1 (36 incidents), Zone 5 (35 incidents), and Zone 2 and 3 (25 incidents each).

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 = 194
Total non-fatal shooting incidents in 2022 = 137
Poll #9: Do you like to see the victim analysis in the Newsletter?
Yes
No
Facts & Stats Archive:
Pittsburgh Police
2021 Annual Statistical Report

If you really want to know what your Pittsburgh Police were doing in 2021, see the 2021 Annual Statistical Report which was released on May 11. The 131 page report covers everything from neighborhood crime and arrest statistics to personnel distribution and disciplinary actions.
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:
Find a Safe Place for Your Deliveries

If you look at the crime statistics every month, you will find multiple instances where delivered packages which had been left on a porch have been stolen. Often, these packages are left in plain sight to anyone driving or walking by the house.

These thefts can be prevented by thinking and planning ahead. How would you answer these questions:

Can someone be home when your packages are delivered?

Can your packages be delivered to a neighbor?

Do you need a special package drop box or locker on your porch?

Do you have a safe and secure location for your packages?


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:


There are solutions. Take a look, learn, teach, and apply.
Your Public Safety Council
Needs 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:







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 Reynolds

Zones 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.
December Poll Responses

Poll #1:
Did you know that the REACH team did so much?

  • Yes 26%
  • No 74%

Poll #2:
Do you know anyone who might utilize the work of the South Pgh Coalition for Peace?
  • Yes 40%
  • No 60%

Poll #3:
Did you notice this research article on last month's Newsletter?

  • Yes 44%
  • No 56%

Poll #4:
Would you like someone from Kairos to reach out to you by email?

  • Yes 31%
  • No 69%

Poll #5:
Are you pleased that the City invested in community violence prevention programs?

  • Yes 77%
  • No 23%

Poll #6:
Do you think the services mentioned in the Newsletter are credible?

  • Yes 39%
  • No 27%
  • I don't really know 34%

Poll #7:
Have you told anyone about these ways to report possible incidents ?

  • Yes 34%
  • No 66%

Poll #8:
Have you ever participated in a learning session on conflict resolution?

  • Yes 55%
  • No 45%

Poll #9:
Do you like the City of Pittsburgh Violence Prevention Partners logo (which includes "Choose Peace/Stop Violence")?

  • Yes 68%
  • No 32%


Thank you for responding.

What can you do to help?

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.
Poll #__: Do you like seeing poll results in the Newsletter?
Yes
No
More Community Resources

If you are aware of an resource that can contribute to violence prevention or reducing the impact of violence, please click HERE to send us a notice or announcement. Thank you.
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 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 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 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


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.

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

412-431-2236

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

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.

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 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

1-412-26-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

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

412-621-0622

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

412-345-7172

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:
412-661-2802

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.

540 Suismon Street
Pittsburgh, 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: 412-321-3343
Allegheny County Jail Chaplaincy: 412-350-2057
Allegheny County Jail Pre-Release: 412-350-1322
Jail or Prison Aftercare: 412-321-3343

GriefShare

Numerous Locations
in 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.

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 Village
1-412-727-7605

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

412-345-1366

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 DADS

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 Group
Support 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..
City-wide:
Youth Mentoring
 
412-441-5405
 
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.
412-261-1234
 
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

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 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

412-708-4008

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 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

1-412-321-3811

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

134 South Highland Avenue #6 - East Liberty
1-412-573-9217

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 Wrestling
1-412-709-0775

"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

1-412-661-7834


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

412-434-0851

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

412-595-6666

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 #10: Have you ever shared a Stop the Violence Newsletter with anyone?
Yes
No
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