Brave Space ATL.
Community violence impacts us all through interrelated systems and mechanisms. Where housing, education, and health care resources are discriminately allocated, you will find discord and violence in all forms…
Left to right: Gary Burke, Tekesia Shields, Ricky “Dip” Usher, Aaliyah Strong, Leonard Dungee, Omar Howard, Derrick Townsend. Bottom: Jordan R. Murphy, Chee’Tara Alexander, Dawn Townsend
…But there are many brave individuals who interrupt violence. Each day throughout the City of Atlanta, Violence Prevention Professionals (VPPs) go out into our communities to disrupt violence, making neighborhoods safer for everyone. Their work often goes unrecognized, they are underfunded, and their lives are constantly at risk.
Where do VPPs go to find healing and renewed purpose in their work? Who helps them to process their vicarious trauma, support their courageous efforts, or train their workforce? What support is available for their partners and children?
Brave Space ATL is a monthly healing space for the individuals working on the frontlines to reduce violence in communities. We meet. We process. We plan.
Girassol Wellness provides trauma-informed and culturally-relevant wellness services for VPPs and their families through our roster of mental health professionals, lay healers and clergy.
We are working closely with strategic partners to help build Atlanta’s violence reduction ecosystem through healing-centered engagement with key stakeholders. Click the links below to learn more and consider supporting this initiative today.
Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction
Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics
McAllister Consultancy & Training
Microsoft, Justice Reform Initiative
National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform
The Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory (IPRCE)
The IVYY Project (Interrupting Violence in Youth and Young Adults) at Grady Memorial Hospital