Guns down friday

Engaging and Empowering Communities

Our Programs

Food & Literature Program

Our food and literature program provides valuable resources to empower individuals and enhance overall well-being through the combination of education and nourishment.

Mentorship

Our Gun Violence Prevention mentorship offers guidance and support to young gunshot survivors, aiding their recovery and empowering them to break the cycle of violence.

Stop The Bleed

The Stop the Bleed class for communities imparts critical life-saving techniques, empowering members with the ability to effectively respond to bleeding emergencies and enhance community safety.

Youth Victims Services

Our program provides compassionate support to families in need through vigils and headstone assistance, honoring their loved ones and easing the burden of memorial costs.

Guns Down Friday Food & Literacy Program

The Food and Literature Program stands as a beacon of  support and growth for the children of the Ward 8 and Prince George’s County Community. By intertwining the nourishment of the body with the enrichment of the mind, our program offers a dual opportunity for growth and development. Through the provision of nutritious snacks, we address immediate dietary needs, promoting health and well-being. Simultaneously, by offering an extensive selection of books spanning various genres and themes, we ignite a passion for reading and learning, encouraging cognitive development, imagination, and empathy among the young participants. This harmonious blend of sustenance and education not only bridges nutritional gaps but also paves the way for brighter educational prospects and a lifelong appreciation for literature.

At the heart of the Food and Literature Program lies a commitment to fostering a strong sense of community engagement and connection. By bringing together children in shared reading sessions, we create a space for dialogue, creativity, and collective growth. Moreover, the program’s influence extends beyond the participants, engaging parents and caregivers through workshops and resources that empower them to play an active role in their children’s educational journey. As our program enriches young lives with the joys of reading and the sustenance of healthy snacks, it simultaneously nurtures the bonds that tie our community together, fostering a resilient and thriving future for all involved.

Stop The Bleed Training

Our “Stop the Bleed” program plays a critical role in empowering communities where access to hospitals is limited. In these neighborhoods, the precious minutes before professional medical help arrives can make all the difference. Our program provides essential training and education to individuals, equipping them with life-saving skills to control bleeding in emergencies. These courses are of utmost importance as they empower community members to become immediate responders, bridging the gap between an incident and professional medical care. By teaching techniques to staunch bleeding effectively, we are fostering a network of individuals who can intervene swiftly and decisively, potentially saving lives in situations where time is of the essence. In areas where hospitals are not conveniently accessible, our “Stop the Bleed” initiative is a vital step towards building a resilient community that is prepared to take action and provide crucial aid during emergencies. Want to volunteer for this program? Click Here

 

 

Victim Services

 

Our Headstone and Vigil Assistance program offers compassionate support to families during times of loss. We understand that honoring the memory of a loved one is a deeply significant and meaningful process. Our program provides financial assistance to those who may be unable to afford a headstone, ensuring that every individual is given a dignified memorial. Additionally, we help coordinate and facilitate vigils that provide comfort and closure, allowing families to come together to remember and celebrate the life of their departed loved one. Our dedicated team is committed to easing both the emotional and financial challenges that can arise during these difficult times, allowing families to focus on creating a fitting and heartfelt tribute that honors their cherished memory. 

 

 In need of assistance? Click Here

Mentorship

Our Youth Mentorship Program is a dynamic and comprehensive initiative designed to provide intensive care and mentorship to young individuals, particularly those who have experienced trauma such as being shot or witnessing a shooting. We understand the profound impact that such experiences can have on a child’s well-being and development. Through this program, we offer a safe and supportive space where these young survivors can heal, grow, and thrive. Our dedicated mentors work closely with each participant, providing not only emotional support but also practical guidance to help them navigate their unique challenges. By forging meaningful connections and offering personalized mentorship, we aim to empower these resilient youngsters and prepare them for successful integration into out-of-school programs and therapeutic interventions. Our ultimate goal is to equip them with the necessary skills, resilience, and confidence to overcome adversity and build a brighter future.