Program Overview
The Community Violence Interruption Program will incorporate the most effective strategies from community-based violence prevention programs across the country. Outreach Specialists (Credible Messengers) are essential to the success of the model. These Credible Messengers are critical to program and community development as they often have similar lived experiences to program participants and have strong reputations in the community. The program has primary components.
Credible Messengers: Identify individuals & locations that are highest impacted by violence.
Community-based Outreach: Credible messengers are trained in conflict resolution and mediation to intervene in situations prior to escalation or a loss of life. Outreach workers are in the pilot communities, communicating with the most-at-risk. Many members of the team reside in the very neighborhoods where they work; they share similar backgrounds with the men they seek to support. To be successful, they must understand the area and the impact violence has on the community. Outreach workers build a rapport with at-risk individuals, learning their stories to establish trust necessary for dialogue. Outreach Specialists are on call 24/7 to reduce tensions in real time, prevent violent incidences, and prevent retaliations.
Ongoing Community Engagement: CVIP staff are present in the pilot communities to engage residents, distribute public education materials, and host community-building activities to promote neighborhood cohesion. CVIP staff aims to communicate clear messages around alternatives to violence.
Testimonials
I want to take time out to show my gratitude to Effective Revisions for the support I’ve received over these past few months. I was introduced to this group of men from a member of my church. I’ve been dealing with my 16 year old son running away from home and doing lord knows what. When I first met with these gentleman they immediately welcomed me with open arms. I was able to tell them my story as-well as my son’s story. They too gave me background on where they come from and how they started supporting the community.
Through their program I have received a huge amount of support from all over. One being counseling services that were highly recommend by Preston for my children as well as myself. Before I met with these guys I didn’t know how to approach my son or what words to even say to him. But with their help I’m now able to talk to my son and let him know how much I love him and that help is waiting for him. They’re resources have really been a tremendous help. Support is a big deal when your a parent going through these types of traumatic situations. I can honestly say they have smothered me and my family with love and support. From the daily phone calls to see how we are doing, if my son has come home or even if I’ve spoken to him.
I couldn’t have asked for a better support system. Again thank you guys so much. I pray that we can reach my son and so many other families that are in need of resources and a support system.
- Deshaundra Lee