The First 90 Days

Welcome to the IMPACT GNV e-newsletter, created to keep you informed on the City of Gainesville's gun violence prevention efforts and the impacts those have. If you're receiving this email, you've registered for one of our previous events, such as the Gun Violence Prevention Summit or the Telephone Town Hall on gun violence. If you do not wish to receive these in the future, please use the unsubscribe button at the bottom of this email.

Quarterly Highlights

Brittany Coleman was hired in March 2024 to lead the city’s gun violence intervention and prevention work and will oversee IMPACT GNV initiatives.

Brittany has lived and worked in Gainesville for over 10 years, and brings a wealth of knowledge in crisis intervention and response. She looks forward to building strategic partnerships in order to address community-based violence.

Gun Violence Intervention Program Manager Brittany Coleman, MA

What is IMPACT GNV?

IMPACT GNV is the framework that guides the City of Gainesville’s gun violence intervention and prevention initiatives. IMPACT GNV is housed within the Community Health Division of Gainesville Fire Rescue. Through IMPACT GNV, we will:

Improve Access to mental health services, social supports, and arts-based programing,

Mobilize and enhance partnerships with community-based organizations,

Prioritize public health and safety,

Analyze data,

Center youth and those with lived experience, and

Track progress.

Think of IMPACT GNV as a call to action. What ways can you impact your community to build connection and reduce gun violence?

IMPACT GNV is Growing!!

Under the leadership of City Manager Cynthia W. Curry, IMPACT GNV has partnered with two organizations to help advance gun violence intervention and prevention work in Gainesville and Alachua County.

The B.O.L.D. Program

B.O.L.D. is spearheaded by Director Diamond Smith, and it provides assistance and case management to individuals, often justice-involved, in need of guidance and support as they navigate life situations and circumstances.

Willie Mae Stokes Community Center

The Willie Mae Stokes Community Center (WMS) is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization seeking to serve the youth of Alachua County and surrounding communities. WMS is run by Executive Director Bishop Christopher Stokes, and will provide community outreach and violence interruption in areas hardest hit by gun violence.

IMPACT GNV Activities

Community Outreach and Engagement

IMPACT GNV team members have participated in multiple community meetings and events, and have engaged with over 200 community members, youth and families since March.

During the month of June, IMPACT GNV participated in Midnight Basketball at MLK and Tha Cookout: Father’s Day event. Team members also spoke to youth and their families about gun safety. More than 80 youth and families have taken the gun safety pledge.

Community Partnerships

Public education is a key tenet of public health initiatives. IMPACT GNV is dedicated to public education around gun safety and providing access to tools and information to keep families safe. IMPACT GNV would like to thank the Malcolm Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MOMs Demand Action, Malcom and Ashlei Askew, NSpire Florida and others for their partnership.

Key efforts so far:

• Providing access to free gun locks
• Creating a youth harm reduction booklet  
• BeSAFE social media campaign
• Violence interruption
• Sponsorship of the Gladden Boxing Camp

Future Plans

This is just the beginning. IMPACT GNV is dedicated to enhancing the safety and well-being of communities hardest hit by community-based violence. Please stay tuned for future updates and opportunities to engage and partner with us.

Reach Out and Connect with Us

Email: colemanbj@gainesvillefl.gov

Telephone: 352-393-8388

Website: www.gainesvillefl.gov/ImpactGNV

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