Our Program

The Guns Down Friday Leadership Academy is a transformative program designed for young men living in challenging neighborhoods. Our mission is to provide guidance, support, and practical skills that help youth navigate life’s obstacles, make positive choices for their future, and stay safe from gun-related harm. We focus on violence prevention through mentorship, career readiness, and strategies to enter the workforce successfully.

Through a structured pathway approach, participants will develop learn essential life skills, including development communication, decision-making, financial literacy, and conflict resolution.

Guns Down Friday Leadership Academy empowers young men to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills, paving the way for a productive, safe, and fulfilling life.

Key Focus Areas:

• Life skills development (communication, decision-making, financial literacy)
• Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence
• Job readiness support (career guidance, job-seeking strategies)
• Mentorship and leadership development
• Positive community engagement and safety awareness

The Guns Down Friday Mobile Trauma Unit brings care and support to young people who survive gun violence, especially in neighborhoods where safety is a daily challenge. Youth receive a Recovery Support Kit with an emergency tourniquet to teach bleeding control, gift card to replace items damaged in the shooting, mental health resources to cope with life after the shooting, and life skills resources to help navigate challenging environments. Youth also get school or GED re-entry support, and families receive referrals for victim assistance and legal help.