In This Issue: Pittsburgh Plan For Peace & STOP The Violence Community Investment Grants

June 10, 2022

STOP the Violence News & Updates

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 Pittsburgh Plan For Peace Solutions: NEW STOP the Violence Community Investment Grants Solutions: National Night Out - August 2 Solutions: StopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.Gov Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey-"We CAN change this culture" Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey-"YOU are the answer" Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey-"We want ZERO gun violence" Something You Can Do: Pray for Peace and Against Violence Training: Group Violence Intervention; Gun Violence and Public Health Webinar Series; Conflict Resolution Training and More Facts and Stats: From May 2022 Facts & Stats Archive: Pittsburgh Police 2021 Annual Statistical Report Tip for You Coming Events Community Resources Please complete the 8 polls in this Newsletter. 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: Mayor Ed Gainey's Pittsburgh Plan For Peace "It's going to take all of us"

On June 3, 2022, Mayor Gainey announced his Pittsburgh Plan For Peace at a press conference in Beltzhoover.  When he announced the Plan, Mayor Gainey stated that "public safety is our number one priority". For the entire Pittsburgh Plan For Peace, click HERE. Here are some highlights of the Plan:

You can find the entire Pittsburgh Plan For Peace HERE.

Poll #1: Had you heard of the Pittsburgh Plan For Peace before now? Yes Select No Select

Solutions: STOP The Violence Community Investment Grants

Last week, Mayor Gainey announced his Pittsburgh Plan For Peace. A component of the Plan are grants for violence prevention projects in the City. Known as STOP the Violence Community Investment Grants, the City is making available $1 million from its STOP the Violence Trust Fund in 2022. If you're already connected with high-risk populations and need resources to expand your work, you are encouraged to apply. The application process for those grants is now open. POISE Foundation is the City's administrative partner in this project. Funds should be disbursed in September.  The deadline for applications is Tuesday July 5, 2022 at NOON. For more information, criteria, or to submit an application for a Community Investment Grant, click HERE.

Application Deadline: Tuesday July 5

Poll #2: Do you know an organization that should apply for a Community Investment Grant? Yes Select No Select

Something You Can Do: National Night Out: Tuesday August 2, 2022 Have you made your plans?

On August 2, 2022, residents everywhere are encouraged to host or attend events with their neighbors as part of National Night Out (NNO), a nationwide voluntary community-building effort that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. "Just getting to know your neighbors makes your neighborhood safer" according to Jay Gilmer, STOP the Violence Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh.

How to get involved?   Just plan an event with one or more neighbors, check the City’s 2022 National Night Out Planning Guide and register your event on the City’s National Night Out Event Registry HERE. The deadline to register is Saturday, July 22.   By registering, your event will be listed on the City’s registry of events so interested neighbors can locate you and so that first responders, city officials and elected representatives can stop by and say hello. (Note: City personnel will attend as many events as possible, but there’s no guarantee.) Outside of the City, see the national NNO website. Any kind of formal or informal event is good, from a porch party for a few people to a block party to a neighborhood-wide parade. “Over the years, I’ve seen kickball games, cookouts, parades and chess competitions, dunk tanks, local musicians displaying their talents, chili cook-offs and double-dutch competitions,"said SaferTogether Coordinator John Tokarski, one of the coordinators of Pittsburgh's National Night Out effort. "Everything from basketball games between youth and police to face painting and cartoonists showing off their artistic skills! Anything that will bring people together, create dialogue and build friendships is good for a National Night Out event!”

John Tokarski Pittsburgh National Night Out Coordinator

Tokarski says that “NNO allows residents to sit back and take a full and complete look at what makes their lives so wonderful. It allows them meet their neighbors, various members of their business and faith-based communities, as well as their local first responders and how working together can create safe and loving communities. It makes everyone realize that it's a partnership...a team, that make neighborhoods great. Events such as NNO help create the opportunity for residents and neighbors to meet and engage with police, fire and ems professionals in a friendly, laid back environment where everyone gets to know and appreciate each other.”

“We've had faith-based communities create NNO events. We've had families as well as singles hold NNO events. Businesses, social service agencies, day-care centers, just about anyone who cares about the safety and welfare of their community and Pittsburgh could and should organize a NNO event.  Staff in our office will be more than happy to help you brainstorm if needed!”  To reach the City’s NNO team, click HERE to send an email.

According to Sergeant Tiffany Kline-Costa, coordinator of the Pittsburgh Police Community Engagement Office: “all Pittsburgh residents should consider organizing a National Night Out event to provide an opportunity for their neighbors and public safety personnel to share in an evening of community and celebration, a time to get to know each other in a positive casual environment.”

Sergeant Tiffany Kline-Costa Pittsburgh Police Community Engagement Office

Poll #3: Have you ever participated in a National Night Out event? Yes Select No Select

Poll #4: Will you consider attending or organizing a National Night Out event this year?? Yes Select No Select

Solutions:   StopTheViolence@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, contracted through Center that Cares, 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 #5: Do you think a Stop The Violence telephone hotline would be a good idea? Yes Select No Select

Facts & Stats Archive: Pittsburgh Police Release 2021 Annual Statistical Report If you really want to know what your Pittsburgh Police were doing in 2021, see the 21021 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. Find the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 2021 Annual Statistical Report HERE.

Poll #6: Have you viewed the 2021 Police Annual Statistical Report? Yes Select No Select

Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey "Reach out to us. We will try to connect you with every resource we've got."

Mayor Gainey continued his efforts to change the culture of violence at a community clean-up event in Homewood on Saturday, April 23, 2022 on Frankstown Avenue in front of House of Manna Faith Community. Here are excerpts of the Mayor’s talk:    "We want to eliminate gun violence in the city. And that starts with all of us. We can’t do it without you. I want to thank the community, because we’ve got more people to come forward and report things than ever before.

"If you have an issue with kids in your neighborhood or your own kid, reach out to us. We will try to connect you with every resource we’ve got. We are all in.    "We know what’s going on in these streets, whispering what’s going on. Talking about what’s going on. In order to change this culture, it takes all of us." You can see the Mayor’s entire talk here:

Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey "We want zero gun violence" Mayor Gainey again spoke eloquently and prophetically at the March 22, 2022 Homewood Community Meeting organized by the Mayor's Office and held at the Community Empowerment Association. Before a packed auditorium, Mayor Gainey stated that "We want zero gun violence".

Realizing that many in the audience might be skeptical of such a lofty goal, the Mayor continued by saying: "Some people will say that's unrealistic. But I say, is trying unrealistic? If the ancestors didn't try ... So do you still think it's unrealistic? Then let's go get it!" To see Mayor Gainey's entire 12 minute speech, please click on the box below. The entire meeting video is over an hour; however, Mayor Gainey mentions the zero violence goal around minute 15 (unfortunately, the sound quality is sometimes poor).

Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey "YOU are the answer" Mayor Gainey spoke at a February 11, 2021 Stop the Violence Prayer Vigil and Rally organized by the South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace. The Mayor made a few key points:

Mayor Ed Gainey

"There’s nobody coming in our neighborhoods to stop the violence except for the ones who live in the neighborhood. "If you want to stop this killing, don’t look around, look inside. "Until we adults get off social media arguing and fighting with one another like they’re 10 or 11 years old, but in the next sentence saying ‘we need peace’. Now how are you saying ‘we need peace’ while you’re on social media talking violence?  "We’ve got to change our ways. How are we going to save us when you hide in the silence? Somebody knows what’s happening in these killings. We look downtown to police to solve it, but we won’t cooperate.  It’s time for us to step up.  If you’d like to hear Mayor Gainey's entire talk, just click on the picture below.

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: 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.

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.

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: 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 May 2022 Below are selected crime statistics from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. These statistics are from the period January 1 to May 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.

City of Pittsburgh Police Zones:

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Non-fatal shooting incidents reported above 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). ___________________________________ A few statistics of note:  The total number of homicides through May 2022 is one more than the number through May 2021. The total number of non-fatal shooting incidents through May decreased from 58 in 2021 to 56 in 2022. 9 non-fatal shooting incidents in May is less than the 11 in 2021. There were no homicides in police zones 4, 5 or 6 in May. The most homicides in May 2022 were in zones 1 and 2 (2 homicides each). The most non-fatal shooting incidents in 2022 have been in zone 1. 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. 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?

Poll #7: Do you think you have a good understanding of crime statistics? Yes Select No Select

Tip for You: Don't Be Afraid To Call and Be Persistent! All of us will need help sometime. Fortunately, Pittsburgh has innumerable resources available for children, youth, families and adults. Some resources are provided directly by government, others by faith-based institutions and nonprofits. Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to locate the resource you need at the moment when you need it most. To increase your chances of accessing resources at the right time, please stay informed about the organizations and services in your neighborhood AND of those referral sources that can point you in the right direction. Usually a call to a resource can ultimately help you find what you need, even if the first place you call cannot help! So, don't be afraid to call someone when you need help. Any of the services listed below under Community Resources will either be able to help you directly OR know where you can go. Even if it's frustrating to call multiple places to get what you need, don't give up. Be persistent! Get Involved in Your Public Safety Council 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 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.

April Poll Responses Poll #1: Do you look at all of the articles in the STOP the Violence Newsletter? Yes 58% No 42% Poll #2: Do you know anyone between ages 14-21 who needs a summer job? Yes 31% No 69% Poll #3: If necessary, would you make a report to StopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.Gov? Yes 84% No 14% Poll #4: Is the Police Annual Statistical Report of interest to you? Yes 82% No 18% Poll #5: Would you like additional crime statistics? Yes 41% No 59% Poll #6: Would you like to receive periodic STOP the Violence Events Updates by email? Yes, please add me to the mailing list 67% Not at this time 33% Poll #7: Do you know any police officers personally? Yes 61% No 39% Thank you for responding. How will you help? Previous Newsletters Click on the dates below to find past issues of the City of Pittsburgh STOP the Violence Newsletter: MAY 2022 APRIL 2022 MARCH 2022 FEBRUARY 2022 JANUARY 2022 DECEMBER 2021 NOVEMBER 2021 OCTOBER 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 AUGUST 2021 JULY 2021 JUNE 2021 MAY 2021 APRIL 2021 MARCH 2021 FEBRUARY 2021 JANUARY 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.

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.

Zinna Scott President Zone 5 Citizens Public Safety Council

Zone 5 Citizens Public Safety Council Tuesday June 14, 2022 7:00 pm 100% Virtual To connect click HERE

Liz Style President Zone 3 Public Safety Council

Zone 3 Public Safety Council Thursday June 26, 2022 (and every 4th Thursday) 6:00 pm 100% Virtual To connect click HERE

Zone 1 - Northside Public Safety Council Thursday July 7, 2022 (and every 1st Thursday) 5:30 pm In-Person at Propel Northside - 1805 Buena Vista Street, Pittsburgh 15202 & Virtual To request virtual connecting info, send an email HERE

Start planning your event today!  Click HERE to register your large or small National Night Out event!

Zone 6 (West End Area) ONLY:

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.

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.

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.

East Liberty Family Health Care Center 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 workforce development.  Locations in East Liberty, Lincoln-Lemington and Wilkinsburg. Even if you don’t have insurance, please come.

Foundation of HOPE 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 starting in early 2022, just find a location and sign up on the website at www.griefshare.org.

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.

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.

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.

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..

Neighborhood Resilience Project 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

Other: Alma Illery Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Services Office: 412-244-4700 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s 24 hour Helpline: 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741 City of Pittsburgh Dept. of Public Safety’s Victims of Crime Office: 412-707-2988 Dr. Staci Ford: 412-277-4616 Jessica Gurley, LCSW: (412) 204-6934  RESOLVE Crisis Center - 24 hours: 1-888-796-8226

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.

Poll #8: Is the STOP the Violence Newsletter too long? Yes Select No Select

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