OUR BELIEF
Transforming Lives & Building Villages of Peace
We believe that the goals, dreams, and aspirations of every young person are real. They are important and they are achievable. Our youth and young adults do not need fixing; they need champions who see them for who they really are and who they can become. Every young person, including our opportunity youth-our highest risk, our “drivers of violence” possess the potential to become a community leader and should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
WHO & WHERE We Serve
We champion “At-Promise Youth, Drivers of Violence” and their families others have determined “valueless” because of poor decisions, which often have resulted in incredibly difficult life challenges.
Our participants and families often reside in the most vulnerable neighborhoods in Metro Atlanta marked by high levels of poverty and unemployment. Our sites are located in Metro Atlanta communities identified as having the highest incidents of crime and violence.
Our Approach
We are guided by a clear understanding that violence is a public health issue! It is multi-disciplinary and relies on knowledge from a broad range of disciplines! It is a 4-Step process rooted in the scientific method!
- Define and Monitor the Problem
- Identify Risk & Protective Factors
- Identify & Implement Prevention Strategies
- Replicate Successful Outcomes to Assure Widespread Adoption
(The Centers for Disease Control)
Our Mission
TO TRANSFORM LIVES AND BUILD BRIDGES OF PEACE!
Our violence prevention initiatives promote positive changes in the lives of highest risk individuals by utilizing a public health approach as the foundation to service delivery with the mission to:
~Reduce violence using disease control and behavior change.
~Transform lives and communities where individuals are seen for their promise and power to transform themselves and their communities into “Villages of Peace.” When we truly understand that violence is a “disease,” then we can accurately diagnose it, treat it, cure it, and stop the epidemic- reversing its devastating effects!
Our Vision
AN ATLANTA WITHOUT VIOLENCE!
We envision a world without violence!
We envision a world where the mindsets are changed:
~From labeling individuals as “bad people” toward understanding that they are individuals with health problems who exhibit violent behavior.
~And, where there is a shift in the view of violence-away from prosecution and incarceration and focused more on collaborative community-based strategies of prevention and intervention.
Our Values
Our services are informed by values that are the foundation of our work, and assist our customers to thrive in their communities-mobilizing them with the message that they do not support the use of violence. They are present in each decision, each interaction, each team member:
INTEGRITY
We do what we say we will do!
ACCOUNTABILITY
We honor commitments.
RESPECT
We honor the dignity & worth of each person.
EXCELLENCE
We pursue the highest standards!
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We value and celebrate diverse talents with sensitivity and respect.
COLLABORATION
Together we are stronger!
Our Leadership Team...And it is Growing!
Our team members are specifically chosen to implement our services. With more than 21+ years of collaborative experience, they bring invaluable community, academic, public service, corporate, and nonprofit expertise to the initiative, while many intimately identify with the challenges experienced by the participants. They serve as Peace Ambassadors, consulting content experts, community partners, and advisors-committed to support exemplary service delivery to our
youth and families.