Our Approach

A holistic method to interrupting all violence

Our violence interruption model supports the full transformation of the perpetrators of  violence and those affected by that violence in the North Lawndale community.

Violence in high risk neighborhoods needs to be interrupted in multiple pathways to make the biggest impact of change.

We interrupt the cycle of violence among youth and young adults in North Lawndale through the power of arts and a life-altering curriculum customized for each participant to grow mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally.

Our program participants are young individuals who have chosen to transform from being involved in or witnessing violence in our community into active agents of change, dedicated to fostering peace and healing.

“My favorite thing about the Firehouse is how they prepare you for the real world—like helping you figure out how to get a job and what you want to do with your life. They guide you on your path.”

– Sincere Walker

EACH PILLAR IS CRUCIAL TO THE PEACE IN NORTH LAWNDALE

Outreach

Our team spends over 5,000 hours on the North Lawndale streets building relationships with individuals who are currently in the cycle of violence.

Street Mediation

Interceding current and potential violent conflict between youth, gangs, and retaliation methods.

Very Important Process (VIP)

A curriculum based program that provides the resources and tools needed to transform our participants' lives through a life-altering curriculum focused on mental, physical, financial, and emotional growth.

Workforce Development

Peace ambassadors are exposed to a number of fields with high placement rates and, over the course of 9 months, provided intensive training to ensure they are prepared to compete for high paying jobs.

Spark Arts

Give youth space and exposure to develop courage and creativity to explore themselves and expand the way they experience and interpret the world.

Project Presence

Unity of North Lawndale community residents and businesses collaborating through peaceful pop-ups throughout the neighborhood.

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PAC

Purpose - Authority - Character

It is our belief that a positive identity develops through an ongoing process of discovering one’s life mission (Purpose), igniting your power to make decisions aligned to your mission (Authority) and operating in alignment with your truth (Character).