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Memphis Allies presents community-based gun-violence intervention model and early outcomes to Senate Judiciary Committee
Summary
Memphis Allies described a citywide violence-intervention model serving people at highest risk of gun violence, reporting low reengagement rates in program participants and describing partnerships across Memphis.
Representatives of Memphis Allies told the Senate Judiciary Committee about a community-based program they said aims to reduce gun violence by providing intensive, wraparound services to people at highest risk.
Susan Deason, executive director of Memphis Allies, said the program focuses on individuals aged roughly 12 to 35 who have gang involvement or recent exposure to gun violence and described a team-based model that assigns an outreach specialist, a life coach, a case manager and a clinical specialist to high-risk participants.
Deason said the program is in its third year and receives private donations and state support, including grants routed through the Governor's violent crime intervention fund administered by the Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) and partnerships with the Memphis Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff's Office. She told the committee the two-volume slide packet accompanying their presentation would be left with committee staff.
Deason reported outcome figures for program participants: "we are seeing tremendous success and have 12.9 percent only of our youth reengaging in gun violence. And only 7.5 percent of our adults have reengaged in gun violence." Javonte Porter, director of community relations for Memphis Allies, outlined partner organizations that deliver services under contract and named Pure Academy and partners such as Twins Incorporated and Red Door Urban Missions.
Committee members offered support and asked about specific partners and site expansions. Senator Rose noted having seen the program's effects in districts with high violent-crime rates and urged continued legislative support; Senator Rowe asked about Pure Academy's move and how Memphis Allies partners to support scholars.
Memphis Allies representatives said they maintain direct staff connections with partner schools and provide supports including educational referrals and funds for scholars who matriculate to college athletics or other programs.
The committee received the presentation and accepted copies of the slides for distribution by committee staff.
