EACH ONE, REACH ONE
How Three Leaders Are Changing Lives, Strengthening Communities
This Black History Month, 6abc Philadelphia recognized three extraordinary leaders whose life’s work embodies the spirit of “Each One, Reach One.” These honorees have dedicated themselves to ensuring that individuals affected by gun violence, incarceration, and systemic barriers find support, stability, and hope. Their work aligns with the Civic Coalition to Save Lives‘ mission of fostering safer communities through stable housing, support for high-risk individuals, and second chances for those in need.
Rev. Dr. Michelle Simmons: Lifting Up Returning Citizens
Rev. Dr. Michelle Simmons knows firsthand the struggles of reintegration after incarceration. After overcoming addiction, trauma, and incarceration herself, she made a promise to God that if she got another chance, she would dedicate her life to helping others do the same.
As the founder and CEO of Why Not Prosper, she has turned that promise into a movement, helping over 6,900 formerly incarcerated women secure transitional housing, employment, and education. Her organization provides a safe haven for returning citizens, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to break cycles of poverty and recidivism. Rev. Dr. Simmons reminds us that redemption is possible when communities rally around those seeking a second chance.
Scott Charles: A Relentless Advocate Against Gun Violence
For over two decades, Scott Charles has been a driving force in Philadelphia’s gun violence prevention efforts. His journey began after the tragic 2004 shooting of 10-year-old Fahim Thomas-Childs, a moment that set him on a mission to save lives.
As Temple University Hospital’s Trauma Outreach Coordinator, Charles has educated more than 15,000 young people through Cradle to Grave, a program that provides a raw, unfiltered look at the devastation of gun violence. His work highlights the civil rights implications of gun violence, pushing for systemic change to ensure safety and opportunity for all—regardless of zip code. Charles calls for bold action, reminding us that “none of us is safe until all of us are safe.“
Estelle Richman: Leading the Fight for Housing and Gun Violence Prevention
A trailblazer in both housing policy and violence intervention, Estelle Richman has spent her career ensuring that marginalized communities have access to stable housing, healthcare, and essential services. She was the first Executive Director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives, leading efforts to partner with community-based organizations and the City of Philadelphia to drive down gun violence.
From being Philadelphia’s first female and non-physician Health Commissioner to serving as a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama, Richman has worked to break bureaucratic barriers and center policies around the needs of the people. She believes that everyone deserves a seat at the table and that real change begins by listening to those most affected by injustice. As she reminds us, “Those of us who have been given opportunities have an obligation to lift others up.”
Join us in celebrating these remarkable honorees and continuing the work to create safer, stronger communities for all.
CONNECTING AND COLLABORATING
Insights From The CFLeads Gun Violence Prevention Network
Earlier this month, community foundation leaders from across the country gathered in Oakland, CA, for the third convening of the 2024-25 Gun Violence Prevention Network (GVPN) Cohort, a national initiative led by CFLeads and hosted by the East Bay Community Foundation. With gun violence continuing to devastate communities nationwide, this meeting provided a vital space for leaders, experts, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share solutions, and strengthen their collective commitment to prevention.
Over two days, participants engaged in deep discussions, peer advising sessions, and expert-led workshops designed to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. Angie Pabon, Program Officer for the Philadelphia Foundation, led the Philadelphia team which included Pastor Carl Day of Culture Changing Christians and Beat the Block, Adam Serlin, Founder & Principal of Independent Variable and David Brown, Executive Director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. The participants in this cohort represented Indianapolis, Denver, Washington, DC and Philadelphia. The host city, Oakland, CA brought their expertise by sharing their own best practices and insights.
For Brown, the convening reinforced the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the fight against gun violence.
“It was uplifting to spend time with colleagues from around the country who are tackling challenges related to reducing gun violence in their respective cities,” Brown said. “I was also encouraged to see that Philadelphia stands as a leader around the country in this work – learning from each other as we press forward.”
A Framework for Action
The Gun Violence Prevention Network is built on the idea that no single organization can tackle this crisis alone. By bringing together community foundation teams—including CEOs, senior staff, and community partners—GVPN fosters a collaborative learning environment where participants can:
- Build a base of knowledge in effective gun violence prevention strategies.
- Apply a racial equity lens to their work.
- Develop localized action plans to expand violence prevention efforts.
- Strengthen peer connections for long-term support and shared innovation.
The structured cohort model ensures that participants leave with more than just ideas—they gain actionable roadmaps tailored to their communities. Each team receives guidance from national experts, one-on-one coaching, and the opportunity to learn from peers facing similar challenges and opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As the GVPN Cohort moves forward, the impact of these convenings will continue to ripple outward, shaping local strategies and influencing broader efforts to reduce gun violence. For the Civic Coalition to Save Lives, these insights are invaluable as we work to strengthen community-driven solutions in Philadelphia and beyond.
Learn more here about CFLeads and the Gun Violence Prevention Network.
GOVERNOR SHAPIRO’S FY25-26 BUDGET PROPOSES INCREASED INVESTMENT IN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
On February 4, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro presented his FY25-26 budget proposal in Harrisburg, outlining his administration’s priorities for public safety, economic growth, and community well-being. Among the key provisions in the proposed budget is a $10 million increase for the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, an initiative aimed at reducing gun violence through community-based strategies.
Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis said this investment is about “making smart, data-driven decisions to build stronger, safer communities.”
The VIP program, which has received significant state funding since 2023, provides grants to local organizations working to prevent violence through a variety of approaches, including street outreach, violence interruption programs, mentoring initiatives, and efforts to address factors contributing to youth gun involvement. The additional funding would build on the $85 million previously allocated to support 131 grant projects statewide, expanding the reach of these programs.
David Brown, Executive Director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives, welcomed the proposed investment, commenting:
“Community-based violence prevention efforts save lives, and this additional funding will allow organizations on the ground to expand their work where it’s needed most. Pennsylvania has seen progress in reducing gun violence, and continued investment in programs like VIP is critical to sustaining that momentum.”
Governor Shapiro has emphasized that this investment is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and ensure that resources are available to organizations with firsthand knowledge of their communities’ needs. His administration has positioned community-led violence prevention as a key complement to law enforcement efforts.
FEDERAL GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION OFFICE DISBANDED—WHAT IT MEANS FOR PHILADELPHIA
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump disbanded the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, taking its website offline and leaving uncertainty around the future of federal support for community-based violence intervention efforts. The office, originally established by President Joe Biden in 2023, had played a key role in coordinating federal resources to combat gun violence across the country.
While the impact of the shutdown remains unclear, Pennsylvania officials and community leaders are making it clear: the fight to reduce gun violence will continue.
State and Local Leaders Remain Committed
Lt. Governor Austin Davis, who oversees Pennsylvania’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, assured communities that despite federal changes, Pennsylvania remains dedicated to reducing violent crime.
“I think there are a lot of moving pieces around funding in this space right now in the Trump administration,” Lt. Gov. Austin Davis told WHYY News. “But we are committed to these principles and working to prevent violent crime in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention, established in 2019 and restructured under Governor Josh Shapiro, continues to support evidence-based interventions at the state level. In Philadelphia, local leaders say they are bracing for potential shifts in funding priorities at the federal level.
The Civic Coalition to Save Lives’ Response
David Brown, executive director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives, which works to align community and city-led efforts to reduce gun violence, emphasized the importance of diversifying funding sources.
“With any new administration, it is always prudent to anticipate that there will be changes in federal funding priorities,” Brown said. “We anticipate that there will be a greater federal funding focus on enforcement, which may require us to be more creative in securing philanthropic resources to support intervention strategies.”
The Coalition is working with city, state, and philanthropic partners to ensure that critical violence intervention programs remain funded, regardless of federal shifts.
Advocates Call for Continued Support
The loss of a dedicated federal office for gun violence prevention has required many advocacy groups to shift their strategies.. CeaseFirePA issued a statement pointing to how the dissolution of the federal office might affect gun violence reduction efforts. The statement read, in part, that the federal action, “…makes it even more important that we continue to support the state’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention and fund our own, state-level community violence prevention activity,” the statement read.
What Comes Next?
Despite this shift, state and local leaders remain focused on solutions. Pennsylvania recently announced 46 state grants to support afterschool programs and community-based violence intervention efforts, ensuring that resources continue to flow into programs that save lives.
The Civic Coalition to Save Lives will continue working closely with city and state partners to keep violence intervention strategies at the forefront, advocating for sustained investments in prevention and ensuring that gun violence reduction remains a top priority in Philadelphia.
PHA, COALITION LAUNCH PILOT TO PROVIDE HOUSING, INTENSIVE SUPPORT TO HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS
Breaking Down Barriers, Opening Doors to Opportunities
A groundbreaking collaboration between the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) and the Civic Coalition to Save Lives will give a new lease on life to individuals and families affected by gun violence by providing housing and basic income support.
Current PHA policy requires background checks and often a clean record for five years. Individuals with criminal histories must enter a review process that requires interviews and documentation to demonstrate their readiness for stable housing. Leveraging HUD’s discretionary authority, this three-year pilot program lifts those barriers for individuals undergoing intensive case management through community violence intervention (CVI) programs, as many CVI program participants have active criminal records, not just histories. By pairing the housing opportunity with strong case management, the program assists individuals already making strides towards positive changes while ensuring they have support to meet other critical basic needs.
PHA will make a total of 30 housing opportunities available within its Public Housing and Housing Choice voucher programs over the three-year period, prioritizing individuals at highest risk of involvement in gun violence. Beyond traditional access, the program offers a monthly basic income support payment to participants to reduce financial barriers, while referral partners provide case management and wraparound support services to increase social and economic mobility.
Providing safe, affordable housing is an essential first step for people who are working to rebuild their lives after instances of gun violence,” said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, PHA’s president and CEO. “By coupling housing with comprehensive support services, and by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, this cutting-edge program aims to break the cycle of violence and reduce barriers to reintegration. By doing so, I believe we will not only save lives, but build communities.”
The Gun Violence Intervention Coordination Center (GVICC), created by the Coalition to serve as a single point of coordination to support, enhance, and expand existing efforts and improve outcomes, will administer the initiative. The GVICC will work with program partners to be sure root causes of housing instability are met through case management and that referral partners are able to successfully connect their participants with housing.
“We know that housing initiatives are most successful when paired with comprehensive supportive services for those involved in gun violence, such as counseling, trauma-informed care, mental health services, legal assistance, job training, employment support, and educational resources,” said Estelle Richman, founding executive director of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. “Participants selected for this pilot must enroll in appropriate programs based on their individualized assessments.”
Both PHA and the GVICC have committed to collaborating with stakeholders including law enforcement, local hospitals and healthcare providers, social service organizations and community leaders to ensure the program’s success. That coordination will help identify eligible beneficiaries, share information and coordinate efforts to address the complex needs of the participants. To ensure effective management and administration of the collaboration, GVICC and PHA will share key data.
To guarantee the initiative’s sustainability, both entities will explore partnerships with affordable housing developers, public-private partnerships, and jointly apply for grants to maintain housing options and support services. By offering multi-year commitments and tailored interventions, the program strives to equip participants with necessary tools and resources to help them transition back to stable lives.
