The Civic Coalition to Save Lives is honored to collaborate with community-based organizations and city programs dedicated to reaching and supporting those at the highest risk of gun violence. This section highlights the critical work of our partners who are on the front lines, making a real impact and driving change in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Together, we are building a safer, more resilient city for all.
Intervention Partners
The Civic Coalition to Save Lives identifies and supports organizations that are addressing gun violence through intervention-based strategies.
Intervention is a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence, addressing immediate safety concerns while also building long-term resilience, community connection, and economic opportunity for individuals and communities most affected.
The intervention framework encompasses a broad, complementary network of city programs in the Office of Community Safety, law enforcement, healthcare, and community-based organizations. Each group is focused on meeting the needs of individuals at the highest risk of becoming an instigator or victim of gun violence.
Rather than working independently and separately on concurrent gun violence reduction initiatives and goals, the Civic Coalition to Save Lives aims to form connections, facilitate collaborations, convene to strategically unify and streamline efforts and communicate to amplify the work of the various groups to expand their capacity and increase their collective impact.
When well-coordinated and sufficiently resourced, intervention efforts save more lives, strengthen communities and have a compounding effect in reducing gun violence and sustaining those reduction gains over time.
The Civic Coalition to Save Lives partner organizations reflect the comprehensive gun violence intervention approach. Together, these city-led public safety services, trauma centers, and community-based organizations have contributed to Philadelphia’s remarkable, 40% reduction in gun violence.
Most importantly, these combined intervention-based efforts have saved lives, spared families from devastating loss, strengthened communities and restored a measure of hope in the midst of immeasurable trauma.
The Civic Coalition to Save Lives partner organizations share several themes of impact in providing targeted support for high-risk individuals to interrupt immediate gun violence and disrupt the cycle of future involvement.
- Economic Empowerment and Employment Pathways: Each organization prioritizes economic stability by providing employment support, paid training, housing assistance, and entrepreneurial opportunities, helping individuals build self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on high-risk activities.
- Support Networks: They all foster partnerships with local agencies and support networks to strengthen community ties, ensuring participants receive comprehensive services that address immediate and long-term needs.
- Behavioral Health and Trauma-informed Care: Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, each organization integrates mental health services, including therapy, group sessions, and trauma-informed care, to address emotional challenges and support personal growth.
- Individualized Attention: These programs emphasize personalized support, focusing on the unique needs of high-risk individuals through tailored resources such as safe and stable housing, behavioral health services, and access to essentials like food and clothing.
Active Engagement: By actively engaging at-risk individuals with consistent support, mentorship, and positive role models, these organizations work to reduce violence and instill hope within communities.
City of Philadelphia
Office of Public Safety Group Violence Intervention (GVI)
GVI is an evidence-based strategy to reduce gun violence by focusing on the small number of individuals and groups responsible for a significant portion of violent crimes. Launched in August 2020, GVI uses a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, community members, and social services to deliver a unified message: the violence must stop. It offers support like job placement, education, and mental health services, while outlining the legal consequences of continued violent behavior, deterring violence through community engagement rather than enforcement alone. An independent evaluation found a 38.6% reduction in shootings among engaged groups, with a 50.3% decrease among those receiving services a second time. In 2024, GVI expanded to include an early intervention juvenile program for high risk youth ages 12 to 17.
Office of Public Safety Pushing Progress Philly (P3)
P3 is an 18-month transitional work and behavioral health program that addresses gun violence by supporting the individuals at highest risk. The program provides job training, coaching services, mental health support, cognitive behavioral therapy, and paid employment to help participants change their life trajectories. Modeled after the successful READI Chicago program, P3 launched in 2023 to reduce gun violence and promote safety in Philadelphia’s most impacted communities. Through comprehensive interventions, P3 connects high-risk young men, ages 18-25, with tools for personal growth, professional development and long-term change.
P3 used CCSL funding to reduce barriers to program participation by covering costs for food, transportation, and child care. The funding also supported entrepreneurial training, behavioral health services, and events to boost participant engagement and morale.
Philadelphia Police Department
The Philadelphia Police Department has been a crucial partner with the Coalition from the beginning. Guided by the leadership and expertise of Commissioner Bethel, the department is focused on a five-year strategic vision to address long-term safety goals. This partnership emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning and accountability to make Philadelphia safer for all residents.
Philadelphia Housing Authority Pilot Program
In partnership with the Coalition, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) launched a pilot program to help provide access to stable housing for individuals at high risk of gun violence. This program addresses a critical gap, as many returning citizens are ineligible for public housing under current policies, creating a significant barrier to reentry and success. Through the initiative, 30 participants will receive public housing units or vouchers paired with intensive case management. To qualify, participants must engage in a focused intervention program and work closely with case managers. By tackling housing instability, the program aims to build trust, meet essential needs, and create a pathway to reducing violence in Philadelphia. This initiative addresses housing instability to build trust, meet critical needs, and reduce violence.
Philadelphia District Attorney's Gun Violence Task Force
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Gun Violence Task Force investigates and prosecutes crimes involving illegal firearms. It aims to reduce gun violence by targeting firearm trafficking, straw purchases, and related offenses. The task force works closely with the Philadelphia Police Department, State Police and federal law enforcement agencies to solve crimes, hold offenders accountable and dismantle networks driving gun violence.
Hospital Violence Intervention Programs
Temple University Hospital
The Temple University Hospital Violence Intervention Program (VIP) Trauma Victim Support Advocates (TVSA) Program supports gunshot victims and their families by offering trauma-informed counseling, case management, and access to resources like education, employment, and housing. This community-centered program reduces repeat incidents and promotes recovery by addressing the root causes of violence.
“No HVIP, no single program alone can serve all of the various needs of intervention. The Coalition has gotten us to the table to talk with one another, and now we can do these warm handoffs to other organizations that do intensive case management that go well beyond the walls of the trauma center. We’re incredibly grateful for the work this Coalition has done in just the last 12 months.”
—Scott Charles, MAPP, FCPP, Trauma Outreach Manager for Temple University Hospital
Presbyterian Medical Center - University of Pennsylvania
The Penn Trauma Violence Recovery Program (PTVRP) provides bedside care and post-discharge support for survivors of violent injuries. The program connects patients with essential resources through a multidisciplinary team, ensuring holistic recovery and reintegration into their communities.
Coalition funding supported the creation of a Patient Advisory Board composed of gun violence survivors, providing feedback and guidance for program improvements. The funds also supported staff wellness and flexible initiatives like relocation assistance and training opportunities.
“The Coalition funds have allowed us to develop new options for housing and relocation, a major need for our participants. Having flexible funding is invaluable for addressing both patient and team needs.”
— Elinor Juliana Kaufman, MD, MSHP, Medical Director, Penn Trauma Violence Recovery Program
Drexel University
Healing Hurt People (HHP) provides trauma-focused services for individuals aged 8 to 35 affected by violence, including therapy, case management, and peer support. Developed by Drexel’s Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice, HHP addresses the psychological impacts of violence to promote healing and prevent retaliation.
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is developing a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) to support gun violence survivors. Collaborating with Drexel’s Healing Hurt People program, the initiative provides trauma-informed care and community connections to reduce re-injury and promote well-being.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
CHOP’s Violence Intervention Program (VIP) supports youth aged 8 to 18 impacted by interpersonal violence. The program offers case management, emotional support, and advocacy to assist families in navigating systems like healthcare and education, fostering recovery, and preventing re-injury.
Community-Based Organizations
EMIR Healing Center
EMIR Healing Center provides counseling, advocacy, and wellness programs for families affected by homicide and violence. Founded in 1997, it fosters healing and resilience within Philadelphia communities through compassionate support services.
“Because what we’re trying to do is not only change the mind and the heart, but also the ability to get resources into the environment. The environment has to be conducive for them to be able to survive. We want them to have the same dreams that a lot of us do. To live, to be a family, to be employed, to take care of themselves. So, what we need is continued investment to not only expand but to keep all of this happening, but to also pull the community groups that are working right to the table with us.”
—Chantay Love, Co-Founder and Director of EMIR Healing Center
Black Men Heal
Black Men Heal offers free therapy and mental health services to men of color. With culturally responsive programs like individual therapy and the “King’s Corner” support group, the organization addresses barriers to mental wellness and promotes healthier lives.
Black Men Heal expanded its programs with Coalition funding, hiring peer specialists, offering Gun Violence Group Therapy, and hosting bi-weekly King’s Corner sessions. Additionally, the funding reduced the waitlist for the Individual Therapy Program, pairing 170 men with clinicians and providing 830 free therapy sessions in 2024.
“The expansion made possible through the CCSL funding has made a remarkable impact, significantly reducing our waiting list and enabling us to pair 170 men with clinicians, providing over 830 free therapy sessions so far in 2024. This collective effort has strengthened our program and deepened our impact on the community.”
— Zakia S. Williams, M.B.A., M.A., Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer, Black Men Heal
Beat the Block
Led by Culture Changing Christians, Beat The Block trains high-risk men aged 18 to 24 for personal and professional development. Through paid training, mentorship, and business support, the program helps participants move away from street life and toward positive life paths.
Beat the Block received vital support from the Civic Coalition to Save Lives, including laptops to aid participants in digitizing their programs and launching businesses. The Coalition also provided discretionary funds
for participants’ temporary financial challenges and re-grant funding for immediate needs like housing, employment support, and training.
“Many of these guys don’t have access to computers or the internet and it’s much easier to apply for a job on a computer than a smartphone.”
– Pastor Carl Day, Founder and Executive Director of Beat the Block, President and Founder of Culture Changing Christians Inc.
Father's Day Rally Committee (FDRC)
FDRC promotes positive action among African American men, addressing challenges through skill-building and group therapy programs like Project Lifeline. Initiatives like Jobs-Not-Guns advocate for employment opportunities to support strong families and communities.
With CCSL funding, FDRC supported Project Lifeline, a 12-week program helping men in North Philadelphia express emotions constructively and resolve conflicts without violence. In 2024, 135 men participated, with 122 graduates completing the course.
“The Father’s Day Rally Committee is deeply grateful for the generous grant from the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. Group sessions are one of the most effective ways to reduce violence by reshaping perspectives and addressing disputes that lead to gun violence.”
— Bilal Qayyum, President, Father’s Day Rally Committee, Inc.
Eddie's House
Eddie’s House provides transitional housing, life coaching, and career programs for young adults facing housing instability. Through its ABLE Center, it offers resources to empower individuals to transition from trauma to independent living.
CCSL funding enabled Eddie’s House to connect participants to employment, housing, and education opportunities. Achievements included helping 20 individuals secure housing, assisting 7 in earning diplomas, and supporting 30 in finding employment. The funding also supported hiring bilingual staff with lived experience to provide guidance and stability.
“It takes considerable time to help individuals without income or stable housing reach a place where they can begin to move forward with hope. Hiring professionals with lived experience requires unique skills and sensitivities, and this funding has allowed us to meet those challenges.”
— Marion Campbell, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Eddie’s House
CeaseFire Philadelphia
CeaseFire Philadelphia focuses on reducing gun violence by intervening in conflicts before they escalate through conflict resolution, mentorship, and community education. The program employs trained Violence Interrupters and Outreach Workers who mediate disputes and engage with high-risk individuals to promote nonviolent solutions. The organization also provides critical resources such as job training, housing assistance, and trauma-informed support to help participants build stable, productive lives.
Philadelphia CeaseFire utilized CCSL funding to support clients in the Stronger Together initiative, providing meals, clothing for job interviews, haircuts, and access to gym and office spaces. The funding also supported listening sessions with private sector representatives to address challenges faced by high-risk individuals.
“Philadelphia CeaseFire is grateful for the support of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. We welcome all Coalition members and other grantees to collaborate and demonstrate to the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that we are, in fact, Stronger Together.”
— Marla Davis Bellamy, Philadelphia CeaseFire
