The Civic Coalition to Save Lives Names
Rev. David W. Brown Executive Director
Philadelphia homicides have decreased by 40% from 2023. This significant progress reflects the City’s efforts as well as the dedication of numerous community organizations and stakeholders. Since its founding two years ago, the Civic Coalition to Save Lives has been proud to support their tireless efforts to enhance neighborhood safety and save lives.
Key to this reduction has been increased funding for community-based intervention and prevention programs. In response to the 2022 gun violence crisis, the Coalition partnered with the City and other stakeholders to launch a broad effort focused on those at highest risk, utilizing proven intervention strategies and cross-sector collaboration.
Under the leadership of Estelle Richman, who left retirement to help found the Coalition and lead it as the executive director, we provided over $1.5 million in grants to gun violence intervention programs, supported community initiatives, and educated over 1,200 stakeholders on effective intervention strategies.
As Estelle returns to a well-deserved retirement, we are excited to welcome Rev. David W. Brown as the Coalition’s new executive director through a partnership with Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication. An expert in communications and a seasoned convener, Brown is an associate professor and assistant dean for Community and Communication. We are excited for David to expand and build upon continuing our collaboration with government, businesses, civic institutions, and community organizations to build a safer Philadelphia.
Our efforts are designed to evolve with the needs of the city. We remain dedicated to supporting the Parker Administration’s strategies to reduce gun deaths and ensure a safer future for all.
— The Civic Coalition to Save Lives Steering Committee
Pedro Ramos, the Philadelphia Foundation
Shawn McCaney, William Penn Foundation
Mike Innocenzo, Exelon Corporation
Estelle Richman
Sharmain Matlock-Turner, Urban Affairs Coalition
Bret Perkins, Comcast
Susan Jacobson, Jacobson Strategic Communications
Romona Riscoe-Benson, PECO
Dave Burkavage, EY
Michael Forman, FS Investments
Julie Wertheimer, The Pew Charitable Trusts
A Message from David W. Brown
I am honored to have been selected to serve as the next Executive Director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. I’m a lifelong Philadelphian and for me, this represents a full circle moment.
Growing up in West Philadelphia, I was the target of a drive-by when I was mistaken for someone else. The car drove up…the window rolled down…the gun barrel came out… and jammed when the trigger was pulled. As the car sped off, I ran from the street corner and onto a path that led me to college, seminary and a career dedicated to serving the community. That unfired bullet both spared and shaped my life and purpose.
I’m grateful that my path brought me to this opportunity with the Coalition. It is a privilege to build on the strong foundation of leadership that my colleague and predecessor, Estelle Richman, established.
As I step into this role, I am committed to deepening our impact by expanding our partnerships, fostering innovative solutions, and amplifying the voices of those most affected by violence in our city. I am eager to find new ways to leverage our collective strength and support the work of the community-based organizations that, for decades, have been dedicated to reducing gun violence and saving lives through intervention. I am determined to continue to transform challenges into opportunities that create a safer, more hopeful future for every Philadelphian.
The trajectory of a single unfired bullet changed my life. I look forward to joining in work that is saving lives. Together we can help ensure that others are given the chance to find their own paths away from gun violence, toward hope, healing and meaning.
Coalition Accomplishments to Date
Gun Violence Coordination Center (GVICC)
The GVICC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing gun violence intervention in Philadelphia. The center coordinates citywide initiatives, provides technical and troubleshooting support to community-based providers, ensures quality assurance and reporting, and secures funding for intervention programs.
Partnering with the City’s Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice and Public Safety, the GVICC supports key initiatives such as the Community Crisis Intervention Program (CCIP) and Pushing Progress Philly (P3) and, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, has developed a pilot housing program for those at highest risk.
Community Safety Civic Resource Board
The Coalition established the Community Safety Civic Resource Board to secure and distribute funding for critical intervention efforts.
- Resource Development: In partnership with Fairmount Ventures, the Coalition is crafting strategies to attract funding for high-priority needs.
- Resource Distribution: Through a re-grant fund, the Coalition has awarded $1.5 million to strengthen community-based intervention programs, including the city’s Hospital Violence Intervention (HVIP) and Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP), enhancing their impact on gun violence-affected communities.
Community Safety Information Campaign
Helping to educate people about the challenges of gun violence and the importance of intervention as a critical component to reducing gun violence, along with prevention and enforcement, is integral to the strategy’s success. We’ve engaged more than 1,200 stakeholders about how and why sustained intervention works.