The death and injury rates as a result gun violence are reaching record numbers.
Join Power 99 and 105.3 WDAS from 7-8 pm with DC Cosmic Kev and Loraine Ballard Morrill as we stop the music to talk about resources and services, we can access to address this critical issue.
Guests are Erica Atwood Senior Director, Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice & Public Safety at City of Philadelphia, Dr. John Rich co-founder of Our Words Health and youth leader John Solomon.
Resources below:
INCREASE THE PEACE RESOURCE GUIDE
TO DISCUSS OR REPORT A VIOLENT CRIME AND RESOURCES:
Philadelphia Police Victims Services Unit
For victims of crimes committed by an adult offender (age 18 & over), this office can provide you with information on your rights and how they can help you.
215-685-1158
Philadelphia District Attorney's Victim/Witness Unit
1421 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-686-8027
Center City Crime Victim Services (CCCVS)
1216 Arch Street, Suite 23
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-665-9680
Servicing the 6th, 9th, 22nd Police Districts
215-665-9680
East Division Crime Victim Services
Servicing the 24th, 25th, 26th Police Districts
215-426-4810
1415 N. Broad St., Suite 222
Philadelphia, PA 19122
215-763-3282
Servicing the 22nd Police District
Servicing the 2nd, 7th, 8th, 15th Police Districts
215-332-3888
Servicing the 5th, 14th, 35th, 39th Police Districts
215-438-4410
Victim/Witness Services of South Phila
Servicing the 1st, 3rd, 17th Police Districts
215-551-3360
West/Southwest Victim Services
Servicing the 12th, 16th, 18th, 19th Police Districts
215-748-7780
The Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy
(PCVA) is a membership consortium of organizations and individuals that provide advocacy and assistance to victims, co-victims and witnesses to crime.
6376 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Email: info@pcvainfo.ora
Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia (AVP)
633 West Rittenhouse Street, Suite C-12.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-438-9070
CARIE (Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly)
CARIE LINE
100 North 17th St., Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-545-5728
Catholic Social Services - SAFE Treatment Program for Children
SAFE Treatment Program for Children
227 North 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-854-7036
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC)
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC) specializes in delivering behavioral health services to Philadelphia’s children and their families by addressing the impact of child abuse, neglect, traumatic events, and other challenges to early childhood development. (215) 387-9500
MADD Victim Service Program
1100 E. Hector St. Suite 440
Conshohocken, PA 19428
610.825.4902
Office of Safe Schools Advocate
2120 Winter Street, Suite 510
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-644-1277
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)/Office of Victims' Services
Victims Compensation Assistance Program
P.O. Box 1167
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1167
1.800.692.7292
Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate
1101 South Front Street, Suite 5200
Philadelphia, PA 17104
717-783-5157
990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 402
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-685-3278(3279)
Philadelphia District Attorney's Victim/Witness Unit
1421 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-686-8027
Philadelphia Police Department, Victim Services Unit
Victim Assistance Officer Program - Neighborhood Based
990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 402
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-685-3278(3279)
Project SAFE (Stop Abuse and Financial Exploitation)
100 S. Broad St., #1810
Philadelphia, PA 19110
215-988-1243
Support Center for Child Advocates
Child Victim Assistance Project
1900 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-925-1913
Temple University Police Department
1101 W. Montgomery Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
215-204-5870
University of Pennsylvania, Division of Public Safety/Special Services
4040 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-4481
Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia (V/WSSP)
1426 South 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-551-3360
WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence
WOAR is a non-profit organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sexual violence thrives in a society rooted in systemic oppression. WOAR’s mission is to eliminate all forms of sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of victims of sexual assault. To accomplish this mission, we fight all forms of oppression including
University of Pennsylvania, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA)
3535 Market Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19129
215-746-3327
Support Center for Child Advocates
The Support Center for Child Advocates provides legal assistance and social service advocacy for abused and neglected children in Philadelphia County. (215) 925-1913
AVP’s hotline for families of murder victims: (215) 686-8033
Philadelphia County Victim Services: (215) 686-8027
Philadelphia County Juvenile Victim Services: 215-686-7682
Resources for Survivors of Violence
More than ever, people are talking about trauma, but not enough about trauma healing. Far too many are still unaware or left out of the conversation. And the people leading the conversation are generally not those healing, and helping others heal from trauma.
The OUR WORDS HEAL was designed to change this, and offer a space that allows everyone to share and learn about how sustained traumatic stress impacts our communities, bodies, minds and spirits.
Most importantly, we want to celebrate and honor how we heal.
Philadelphia Children’s Alliance- Justice and Healing for Sexually Abused Children
The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, an independent non-profit organization, promotes healing and justice for child abuse victims in Philadelphia by conducting state of the art forensic interviews, providing victim support services and collaborating with other agencies to facilitate an integrated response (215) 387-9500
E.M.I.R. (Every Murder is Real) Healing Center
Founded by Victoria Greene after the shooting death of her son Emir, EMIR offers a variety of prevention programs and victim support. In addition, they work with doctors for more effective treatment, community crisis response and compensation for victims.
A Drexel violence intervention program, Healing Hurt People offers free case management support for people who have experienced a traumatic event — including resources like health care, housing, food and advocacy at school. There is also a mobile therapy program and peer support for fellow young adults who survived violence. (215) 762-1177
Philly’s Office of Violence Prevention: (215) 686-0789
Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence: (267) 233-4387
This program teaches martial arts to youth to help them heal from trauma using somatic therapies. Red Kite Rising currently works with the youth of Jane Addams Place, a shelter in Philadelphia.
(610) 420-6079
ANTIVIOLENCE EDUCATION/PROGRAMS
The Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN)
The Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN) is one of the Philadelphia's leading non-profit agencies dedicated to addressing drug abuse and violence among our youth and their families.
To promote community safety through the reduction of drug abuse and violence and through the development and implementation of programs that prevents juvenile delinquency and recidivism, as well as young adult criminality and recidivism.
The mission of the Father's Day Rally Committee, Inc. (FDRC) is to promote positive action and interaction among individuals to prompt more aggressive hands-on action toward resolving a range of problems confronting African American communities in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. Programs are face to face and community engagement designed to develop spiritual rebirth, promote cultural awareness, and promote positive Black images focusing on manhood and youth development programs.
215-696-5362
Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice
This Drexel University program changes the conversation about violence from a criminal justice perspective to a public health perspective that addresses trauma. Its flagship program, Healing Hurt People helps trauma victims ages 8-30 with the physical and psychological ramifications of violence to help them heal and stop the cycle.
Mothers in Charge is a national organization founded in Philadelphia by Dorothy Johnson-Speight, who lost her son to gun violence. This group of impassioned mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and loved ones can help you take steps to cope with tragedy. (215) 228-1718
Sultan Jihad Ahmad Community Foundation
This North Philly foundation fights violence with education. The JACF has given over $100,000 worth of scholarships to youth bound for college and seeks to inspire learning to turn at risk youth away from violence while promoting community development. 215-787-0857
Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia
Antiviolence Partnership of Philadelphia This organization helps children and youth resolve conflict nonviolently, while assisting victims and their families to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of violence. (215) 748-7780
As a violence prevention measure, Temple Hospital’s two-hour prevention program walks at-risk youth through the life and death of 16-year-old Lamont Adams, who was shot a dozen times outside of his grandmother’s home when he was just a junior at Strawberry Mansion High School. Hospital staff members use his medical records and photos of his gunshot wounds to show students the procedures the hospital conducted when they attempted to save his life.
Philadelphia Collaborative Violence Prevention Center
This urban partnership convenes a number of Philadelphia academic institutions like CHOP, Penn and Temple and community organizations like the Philadelphia Area Research Community Coalition to tackle violence in South and West Philly. The various organizations conduct and disseminate research to increase awareness and develop prevention plans.
Uplift Center for Grieving Children
The Center helps children grieving a death heal and grow through their grief, while strengthening families, communities, and professionals’ understanding of how best to respond to their needs. (267) 437-3123
Good Shepherd House educates youth on how to resolve conflict without violence. (215) 843-5413
Healing Hurt People (HHP), the cornerstone program of the Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice at Drexel University, is a community-focused, hospital-based program designed to reduce reinjury and retaliation among youth ages 8-30. (215) 762-3448
Student Antiviolence Education Program
Student Antiviolence Education Program provides education and examples to students on dealing with conflict in nonviolent ways. (215) 748-7780
WAYVE (Working Against Youth Violence Everywhere)
This proactive safe schools initiative is designed to help prevent violence in middle and senior high schools. (844) 437-3247
CHILD ABUSE
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC)
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC) specializes in delivering behavioral health services to Philadelphia’s children and their families by addressing the impact of child abuse, neglect, traumatic events, and other challenges to early childhood development. (215) 387-9500
National Children’s Advocacy Center
National Children’s Advocacy Center Promotes child abuse response and prevention through service, education, and leadership (256) 533-KIDS (5437)
Philadelphia Children’s Alliance- Justice and Healing for Sexually Abused Children
The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, an independent non-profit organization, promotes healing and justice for child abuse victims in Philadelphia by conducting state of the art forensic interviews, providing victim support services and collaborating with other agencies to facilitate an integrated response (215) 387-9500
Safe Place: The Center for Child Protection and Health
Safe Place is a program of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Safe Place is one of the nation's most comprehensive programs addressing the critical issues of child abuse, neglect and placement in substitute care.
Support Center for Child Advocates
The Support Center for Child Advocates provides legal assistance and social service advocacy for abused and neglected children in Philadelphia County. (215) 925-1913
Youth Services Inc. Youth Services Inc. (YSI)
Youth Services Inc. Youth Services Inc. (YSI) is a private not-for-profit, community-based social service agency dedicated to preventing child abuse, helping at-risk children and teens, and strengthening the family unit. (215) 222-3262
DOMESTIC PARTNER VIOLENCE
Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline: (866) 723-3014
Women in Transition (WIT) empowers people to move forward in their lives free of domestic violence (DV) and substance abuse. We offer free and confidential services in Philadelphia: telephone and crisis counseling, peer support groups, individual empowerment counseling, client advocacy and referrals, community education trainings, and WAVE empowerment self-defense classes. WIT was founded in 1971. Our services are available for people of any gender identity and sexual orientation, ages 14 and older.
The mission of Women Against Abuse is to provide quality, compassionate, and nonjudgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence and to lead the struggle to end domestic violence through advocacy and community education.
(215) 386-1280
Dating Violence Resource Center
The Dating Violence Resource Center provides a variety of information from research to statistics, to outreach materials on dating violence. This site also includes an excellent “Tips” link for parents, friends, and youth to help someone involved with dating violence. (800) FYI- CALL (1-800-394-2255)
Fishtown’s Lutheran Settlement House is designed to support survivors of domestic violence in any way they might need — with counseling services and programs for seniors, caregivers and people experiencing homelessness. (215) 426-8610
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
For more than 25 years, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) has been a comprehensive source of information for those wanting to educate themselves and help others on the many issues related to domestic violence. (800) 537-2238
Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC)
SEAMAAC provides culturally sensitive and language appropriate IPV services for Asian immigrant communities in Philadelphia (215) 476-0690
Greater Philadelphia Asian Social Services (GPASS)
GPASS provides assistance to residents in Philadelphia, citywide, to connect people with needed resources and information, bridging the cultural and language gap. (215) 456-1662
GANG VIOLENCE AND PREVENTION
Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.)
Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) offers four different components offered to help prevent gang violence in middle schools, elementary schools, during the summer months, and within families. (800) 726-7070
MENTORING PROGRAMS
The Next Gen Taskforce is a program designed to identify and support the development of youth and young adults (ages 17-30) that are leaders in neighborhoods acutely vulnerable to gun violence. The program seeks to support the community service they are engaged in, strengthening their skills by providing training and capacity building, as well as work together to develop and implement community programming to that supports multi-generational coalition building.
Philadelphia Futures Sponsor-A-Scholar helps motivated students from low-income families get "to and through" college. SAS uses a multi-pronged approach, which provides students with a long-term mentor, program services, staff support, and funds for college-related expenses. (215) 790-1666
Police Athletic League
The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia
is a non-profit organization established to divert kids ages 6 to 18 from a life of crime by providing recreational and educational programs at 24 centers throughout the Philadelphia area. The educational programs include a computer education club, homework club, and literacy club. Recreational programs include basketball leagues, baseball, flag football, dance, and golf. 215-291-9000.
The U.S. Dream Academy is a national after-school enrichment program that provides homework assistance, character building, healthy eating education, healthy snacks, the use of technology, and mentoring to children of incarcerated parents and children falling behind in school. (215) 339-1090
Big Brother/Big Sister of America
Big Brother/Big Sister of America establishes one-on-one relationships with adult volunteers and at-risk youth. (267) 773-4100
Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & South New Jersey
Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & South New Jersey. inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold. It provides mentoring relationships for at-risk girls in a group setting for the duration of the school year. Girls Inc. also offers summer camps staffed by volunteers. (215) 735-7775
MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE USE EMERGENCY
Philadelphia Mobile Emergency Team: (215) 685-6440
Community Behavioral Health Emergency Services
Crisis Response Centers for Substance Abuse/Mental Health Emergencies:
Northeast: Friends Hospital (215) 831-2600
Northwest, Germantown, & Roxborough: Einstein Hospital at Germantown (215) 951-8300
North: Temple/Episcopal Hospital (215) 707-2577
Center City & South: Hall-Mercer/Pennsylvania Hospital (215) 829-5249
West & Southwest: Mercy Hospital (215) 748-9525
Children Only: Children's Crisis Response Center Project at Einstein Hospital (215) 951-8300
Philadelphia County Victim Services: (215) 686-8027
Philadelphia County Juvenile Victim Services: 215-686-7682
Philly’s Office of Violence Prevention:
After a violent crime, the city’s Office of Violence Prevention deploys community crisis intervention teams, who help neighbors and assist police in their investigation. The OVP also doles out grants to community anti-violence programs (215) 686-0789
Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence:
The Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence is a network of community members trained to support-and lead-responses to stress, trauma, loss, and violence within their own communities (267) 233-4387
Resources through the federal Victims of Crime Act mandates that certain services are available to people who have personally suffered a violent crime, or those who have lost a loved one that way. There are victims’ services organizations all over the city that can help distribute these resources — from counseling services to legal help to reimbursement of funeral costs.
FOR FAMILIES
AVP’s hotline for families of murder victims: (215) 686-8033
EMIR Healing Center was founded by a grieving parent to provide support after community trauma. After a violent crime, members will visit a block, school or individual person to offer healing services. You can also reach out for domestic violence resources. Get in touch here. (215) 848-4068
City Based in Fairhill, Operation Save Our City supports to the families of victims of violent crime. Founder Rosalind Pichardo helps arrange public demonstrations and vigils to generate attention for cold cases. (856) 745-6045
FOR KIDS
Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout (YEAH):
YEAH, offers after-school programming in West Philly, including targeted instruction to help kids learn peer mediation and conflict resolution skills. There is also a free food bank.
(267) 469-3002
Urban Youth Leadership Academy:
Run by Juwan Bennett and headquartered at Temple University, the Urban Youth Leadership Academy matches middle school students with college-aged and early-career mentors who help them complete a service project.
(215) 204-8917
Broken Wings Literacy Center of Philadelphia, Pa.
Broken Wings Literacy Center of Philadelphia, Pa, is a licensed year-round educational program that serves families with children of all ages. Broken Wings specialize in working with at-risk children with learning and behavioral difficulties, by identifying and treating gaps in academic and social development. Find out more Here.
Uplift Center for Grieving Children
The Uplift Center for Grieving Children offers in-school grief support groups — plus services for children and their caregivers at six locations in the city: East Falls, West Philly, South Philly, the lower Northeast, Center City and North Philly (Lenfest Center). (267) 437-3123
FOR RESOURCES AROUND SUICIDE
Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Center: (215) 686-4420
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
My Brother’s Keeper (MBK Cares):
MBK Cares runs regular community events out of Cobbs Creek recreation center. They will welcome you into an existing network of support, helping you find counseling and cope with hardships like bullying.
(267) 580-9440
Donovan Williams Memorial Foundation
The Donovan Williams Memorial Foundation is the place to go if you would like to find a supportive community rooted in sports. The runs a basketball league to promote sportsmanship, foster social skills and educate youth on suicide prevention.
(215) 834-9339
The Philadelphia Suicide Prevention Task Force
The city’s Suicide Prevention Task Force operates five regular support groups all over the city for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.
MORE COUNSELING SERVICES
The Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia:
This group offers many services. There is a counseling center, plus resources for kids, victims of intra-family homicide, and people whose family members have been murdered.
Cost is often a roadblock to folks obtaining mental health services. Luckily, Philly offers a ton of free or affordable options. Check this list for various options. (215) 567-6776
FOR RESOURCES AROUND SUICIDE:
Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Center: (215) 686-4420
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
My Brother’s Keeper (MBK Cares): (267) 580-9440
Donovan Williams Memorial Foundation: (215) 834-9339
Force racism and gender-based violence.
HOW TO TAKE ACTION
Not in Our Town is a movement to stop hate, address bullying and build safe, inclusive communities for all.
This project links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence.Out mission is to bring attention to and memorialize the lives lost and tragically altered due to gun violence.
CeaseFirePA works to empower citizen advocates across Pennsylvania to work together to end gun violence.
Everytown for Gun Safety is a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities, recognizing that gun violence touches every town in America.
Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence
Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence is a faith-based organization working to draw attention to the epidemic of gun violence through demonstrations, memorials, and other actions.
Moms Bonded by Grief brings families together for support in their shared their experience and organizes a yearly Retreat for Moms of Victims.
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots group advocating for stronger gun laws and encourage responsible gun ownership.
Philly with Ikey Raw will profile unsolved Philadelphia murders at the request of the families. Contact him at unsolvedmurdersinphilly@gmail.com
Ray's Rhythm for Justice was created in the memory of Raymond Pantoja, organizes an annual march at the Philadelphia Roundhouse to honor victims and protest unsolved crimes.
SOMBER (SIsters Of Murdered Brother Emerging and Revolutionizing)
SOMBER (SIsters of Murdered Brother Emerging and Revolutionizing) advocates for gun safety policies and holds and annual bookbag drive and toy drive for children affected by gun violence. (215) 934-2075.
The Charles Foundation advocates for safe, common-sense gun legislation and works to curb the school-to-prison pipeline and save young people's lives. Find out more here.
The Jarell Christopher Seay Love and Laughter Foundation
The Jarell Christopher Seay Love and Laughter Foundation’s’ mission is to unite communities by connecting families while helping to protect our children through gun violence prevention, safety, and education. Find out more here.
The Philadelphia Obituary Project
The Philadelphia Obituary Project was founded with the purpose of putting the lives of homicide victims front and center. We treat victims as individuals rather than statistics by writing positive stories that honor their lives. Our efforts fill a gap in the local media market, where these stories are routinely ignored.
The Somebody Podcast should be required listening for everyone in the fight to raise awareness of gun violence and the irreparable damage it inflicts on families and communities. When Shapearl Wells's son Courtney is found outside a Chicago police station with a fatal bullet wound, Shapearl immediately distrusts the official narrative. So she launches her own investigation into her son's murder and teams up with journalists from the Invisible Institute to confront the cops and find the truth about Courtney's death. Somebody explores the racial disparities and turbulent relationship between law enforcement and citizens in one of America's largest cities. The podcast is a co-production of Topic Studios, The Intercept, the Invisible Institute, and iHeartRadio, in association with Tenderfoot TV.
The Soul Box Project invites everyone to participate in this national community art project collecting and exhibiting handmade origami Soul Boxes, each representing one person killed or injured by gunfire in the US.
GunSenseUs is an all-volunteer, nonpartisan, non-profit organization working to reduce gun injury and death in the U.S.