The Selma Center for Nonviolence’s Violence Intervention Program (VIP) has made significant strides in reducing violence and fostering collaboration in the Selma community. Since May 2024, the VIP team has carried out creative, community-based activities, engaged stakeholders, and supported individuals affected by violence—all while navigating the challenges that come with the work. This update highlights the program’s key achievements and offers insight into the meaningful changes underway.
Expanding Reach Through Education and Engagement
In April, the VIP team participated in the Community Violence Intervention Summit and the CVIP Conference in Chicago. Our Executive Director also co-presented a session at the CVIP Conference about the unique challenges with gun violence in rural and Southern communities and why it’s on the rise. These events brought together organizations dedicated to reducing gun violence, fostering regional partnerships, and exploring innovative, place-based solutions. Key takeaways from these gatherings have informed the team’s strategies, allowing them to better engage Selma’s residents and support victims of violence.
VIP continued its work with schools, participating in an Education Roundtable on May 31 hosted by the Office of Student Support. The meeting focused on addressing school gun violence and supporting affected families, demonstrating VIP’s commitment to protecting Selma’s youth. This collaboration with local education leaders created opportunities to integrate violence prevention strategies within schools.
Building Community Connections
From April through September, the VIP team hosted multiple events aimed at strengthening community bonds and fostering solidarity. Highlights included:
Peace Walks: Regular Peace Walks were organized in public housing communities, bringing neighbors together in a public commitment to nonviolence. These walks provided a space for residents to connect, share experiences, and demonstrate collective action against violence.
Grief Circles: Recognizing the emotional toll of violence, VIP facilitated Grief Circles to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals coping with loss.
Resource Fair: At the Selma High School Education Summit in August, the team interacted with over 20 participants, connecting them to essential resources.
National Day of Remembrance: On September 26, VIP led a memorial event for murder victims, which drew 18 participants and highlighted the importance of community solidarity in the face of loss.
VIP’s community engagement extended to collaborative events like “Pizza for Peace” at Selma High School in September, where 200 students engaged in discussions about nonviolence, and the Selma Housing Authority’s Back-to-School Kickoff in August, which served over 30 participants. These activities not only increased awareness but also strengthened connections between the program and the community.
High-Impact Violence Interruption
A standout success this year was VIP’s intervention in a high-risk conflict involving two individuals with a high likelihood of engaging in violence or becoming victims. Through mediation, the team successfully diffused the situation, preventing potential violence and setting a powerful example of proactive conflict resolution.
This mediation underscores VIP’s ability to respond effectively to immediate threats while building trust within the community. The team’s focus on direct engagement and tailored solutions has proven critical to their success.
Supporting Victims of Crime
Throughout Q2 and Q3, the VIP expanded its victim services. This included distributing Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) packages, which provide critical resources to individuals affected by violence. In partnership with VOCA Peacemakers, VIP enhanced its capacity to support victims, addressing both immediate needs and long-term recovery.
Incorporating a Victims’ Services Advocate into the team was another milestone, enabling VIP to provide more personalized and sustained support to clients. This role has been essential in connecting individuals with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Overcoming Challenges
While the VIP team has achieved significant milestones, challenges have underscored the complexity of their work. Despite these obstacles, the team maintained its focus, ensuring critical services were delivered.
Looking ahead, VIP is focused on deepening its impact through partnerships, education, case management and expanded outreach. Recent participation in the Community Justice Accelerator, hosted by the Department of Justice, equips the team with innovative strategies to integrate justice practices within the community. Continued collaboration with schools, law enforcement, and local organizations will be essential to scaling their efforts.
By blending proactive violence interruption, victim support, and community engagement, VIP is creating a holistic model for addressing the root causes of violence in Selma. The program’s dedication to fostering safety, connection, and accountability has positioned it as a cornerstone of community resilience.
A Call for Support
The work of the Violence Intervention Program would not be possible without the support of funders who share a vision of a safer, more connected Selma. VIP’s achievements this year demonstrate the transformative potential of investing in grassroots efforts to reduce violence and support those affected by it.
As the program continues to grow, additional funding will enable VIP to overcome staffing challenges, expand its services, and reach more residents. By partnering with VIP, funders can play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for Selma—one built on trust, collaboration, and the shared commitment to nonviolence.
If you are interested in supporting the Violence Intervention Program or want to learn more about the work the SCNTR is doing to prevent violence contact VIP Director Chinwe Okeke at cokeke@selmacntr.org.
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