Justice for Housing, Inc, Jamaica Plain-Based Organization Awarded Inform, Influence, and Impact Grant

Boston, MA – Justice for Housing, Inc, a Jamaica Plain-based organization, was recently awarded the Inform, Influence, and Impact Grant. The grant, awarded by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI), seeks to provide survivor led organizations with financial support for operating and program expenses, and/or capacity building. Justice for Housing, Inc, plans to use $5,000 for the purpose of crisis prevention workshops and training and community outreach and materials. 

The Inform, Influence, and Impact Grant supports survivors of homicide victims running direct service programs, holding awareness-raising events, offering leadership development opportunities to engage fellow survivors in peacemaking, coordinating trainings, and leading advocacy work on issues facing families impacted by murder. Thanks to elected leaders at the State House for their steadfast support of survivors network and the work of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. It is thanks to their leadership that we are able to deliver mini-grants to the statewide survivor network through funding provided in the state budget.

“The past year has been tumultuous for our communities and this year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes affecting our communities, including social justice, affordable housing, education, and crisis prevention,” said Chaplain Clementina Chéry, President & CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to organizations and scholarship foundations making a difference. Losing a loved one can be strenuous, but these recipients are making a real change because of their experiences with homicide.”

Other awardees include: 

  • Jermall Fonté Williams Scholarship Foundation was awarded $5,000 for the scholarship’s Memorial Banquet and Fundraiser event – equipping children for success through education and sports.

  • James Jimmy Flint Scholarship Foundation was awarded $4,100 for the scholarship’s ceremony celebrating the awardees.

  • Vision-Picture Your Future, Inc. was awarded $5,000 for the purpose of community driving, music, and fashion programs and materials. Additionally, Vision-Picture Your Future, Inc. graciously donated school supplies for kids at LDBPI’s annual Peace BQue.

  • All Things Art, Inc was awarded $4,950 for the purpose of Crisis Prevention, Workshops and Trainings & Community Outreach and materials. 

To learn more about the Inform, Influence, and Impact Grant, visit the website at www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/inform-influence-impact-grant/.

 

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About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI), founded in 1994, after the murder of 15 year old Louis D. Brown serves a Center of Healing, Teaching and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. The vision of the LDBPI is to create and sustain an environment where all people are valued and all families can live in peace. Additional information is available at www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org.

All Things Art, Inc, Roxbury-Based Organization Awarded Inform, Influence, and Impact Grant

Boston, MA – All Things Art, Inc, a Roxbury-based organization, was recently awarded the Inform, Influence, and Impact Grant. The grant, awarded by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI), seeks to provide financial support for operating and program expenses, and/or capacity building. All Things Art, Inc plans to use $4,950 for the purpose of Crisis Prevention, Workshops and Trainings & Community Outreach and materials. 

The Inform, Influence, and Impact Grant supports survivors of homicide victims running direct service programs, holding awareness-raising events, offering leadership development opportunities to engage fellow survivors in peacemaking, coordinating trainings, and leading advocacy work on issues facing families impacted by murder. Thanks to elected leaders at the State House for their steadfast support of survivors network and the work of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. It is thanks to their leadership that we are able to deliver mini-grants to the statewide survivor network through funding provided in the state budget.

“The past year has been tumultuous for our communities and this year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes affecting our communities, including social justice, affordable housing, education, and crisis prevention,” said Chaplain Clementina Chéry, President & CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to organizations and scholarship foundations making a difference. Losing a loved one can be strenuous, but these recipients are making a real change because of their experiences with homicide.”

Other awardees include: 

  • Justice for Housing, Inc was awarded $5,000 for the purpose of crisis prevention workshops and training and community outreach and materials. 

  • Jermall Fonté Williams Scholarship Foundation was awarded $5,000 for the scholarship’s Memorial Banquet & Fundraiser event – equipping children for success through education and sports.

  • James Jimmy Flint Scholarship Foundation was awarded $4,100 for the scholarship’s ceremony celebrating the awardees.

  • Vision-Picture Your Future, Inc. was awarded $5,000 for the purpose of community driving, music, and fashion programs and materials. Additionally, Vision-Picture Your Future, Inc. graciously donated school supplies for kids at LDBPI’s annual Peace BQue.

To learn more about the Inform, Influence, and Impact Grant, visit the website at www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/inform-influence-impact-grant/.

 

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About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI), founded in 1994, after the murder of 15 year old Louis D. Brown serves a Center of Healing, Teaching and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. The vision of the LDBPI is to create and sustain an environment where all people are valued and all families can live in peace. Additional information is available at www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org.

Organization awarded $100,000 Cummings grant

Greater Boston non-profit receives 3 years of funding from Cummings Foundation 

BOSTON, MA – The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) is one of 140 local non-profits to receive grants of $100,000 to $500,000 each through the Cummings Foundation’s $25 Million Grant Program. The Greater Boston-based organization was chosen from a total of 590 applicants during a competitive review process. The LDBPI will receive $100,000 over 3 years. 

Their programs and services are grounded in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social-ecological framework that interventions are needed at multiple levels to interrupt cycles of violence. The heart of the LDBPI work is with families impacted by murder on both sides. Their impact extends to community and society through services, advocacy and training. 

“This generous grant gives people who have been formerly incarcerated an opportunity to rejoin society and create a positive impact in their families and community,” said Milton Jones, LDBPI Director of Community Re-entry Preparation Services. 

With these grant funds, the LDBPI will hire a Re-entry Services Coordinator who will be instrumental in helping people who have been formerly incarcerated become acclimated with the services and expand programmatic reach, as well as hire Mentors who will work directly with participants to support them in the three-year program. 

The Cummings $25 Million Grant Program supports Massachusetts non-profit organizations that are based in and primarily serve Middlesex, Essex and Suffolk counties. 

Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the area where it owns commercial buildings, all of which are managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 10 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation. 

“We aim to help meet the needs of people in all segments of our local community,” said Cummings Foundation Executive Director, Joel Swets. “It is the incredible organizations we fund, however, that do the actual daily work to empower our neighbors, educate our children, fight for equity and so much more.” 

With the help of about 80 volunteers, the Foundation first identified 140 organizations to receive grants of at least $100,000 each.  Among the winners were first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings Foundation grants.  Forty of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 each. 

“We have adopted a democratic approach in philanthropy, which empowers an impressive roster of dedicated volunteers to decide more than half of our grant winners each year,” says Swets. “We benefit from their diverse backgrounds and perspectives; they benefit from a meaningful and fulfilling experience, and the nonprofits often benefit from increased exposure and new advocates.” 

This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including social justice, homelessness prevention, affordable housing, education, violence prevention and food insecurity. The non-profits are spread across 43 different cities and towns. 

The complete list of 140 grant winners, plus more than 800 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org. 

Cummings Foundation has now awarded more than $300 million to greater Boston non-profits. 

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About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI), founded in 1994, after the murder of 15 year old Louis D. Brown serves a Center of Healing, Teaching and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. The vision of the LDBPI is to create and sustain an environment where all people are valued and all families can live in peace. Additional information is available at https://ldbpeaceinstitute.org/ 

About the Cummings Foundation 

Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings and has grown to be one the three largest private foundations in New England.  The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities in Marlborough and Woburn, and Veterinary School at Tufts, LLC in North Grafton.  Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org. 

FEMA To Pay For Funerals

FEMA’s decision to reimburse families of coronavirus victims for their funeral expenses (Biden administration to launch massive funeral assistance program for covid victims, 4/6/21) is an important step toward helping grieving families heal. Yet, looming over this effort is the profiteering spectre by the funeral industry.

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected communities of color and low-income communities that were struggling even before the pandemic. On top of the grief, families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 must confront the high costs associated with burying a family member. In Boston, people of color made up more than 56% of COVID-related deaths. Their families face upwards of $7,000 in cemetery costs alone.  

As FEMA prepares to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance starting in April, the agency must ensure they’re doing all they can to reach eligible families who could benefit from this program. Affected families will need help with accessing the funds and navigating the system, and they’ll likely turn to funeral homes for guidance.

Funeral homes should not price gouge families. We appreciate and recognize the hard work of funeral home directors, and as a survivor-led organization that meets families in their greatest time of need for 27 years, we recommend funeral directors and families offer a comprehensive package that includes funeral price, cemetery costs & does not exceed FEMA’s $9,000 package. A comprehensive package will reduce additional financial pressures and stress, and will allow families to carry out the funeral peacefully without having to go to different sources to make funeral arrangements. 

FEMA recognizes its critical role in easing some of the financial stress and burden caused by COVID-19. It’s on those in the funeral industry to do their part to help families devastated by the pandemic, especially those in low-income neighborhoods, and provide them the guidance and support they need.

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About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, founded in 1994, is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. The vision of the LDBPI is to create and sustain communities where all people are valued and all families can live in peace. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s programs and services are grounded in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social-ecological framework that interventions are needed at multiple levels to interrupt cycles of violence. The heart of their work is with families impacted by murder on both sides. Their impact extends to community and society through services, advocacy, and training.

Following Rise in Violence, Brockton Community Organizations Launch Violence Prevention Training Program

Boston’s Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center train Brockton community partners and institutional stakeholders on coordinated, compassionate homicide response

BROCKTON, MA – According to police reports, shootings in Brockton were up 35% in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and to address this rise in homicides in Brockton, the Boston-based Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) is supporting the South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center’s (SSRAC) Surviving Homicides Aftermath Resources Education and Support (SHARES) program in formalizing their process and network. SHARES, which focuses on responding to families after a homicide in Plymouth and Bristol Counties and training institutional stakeholders on best practices, was launched yesterday with a virtual training session.

The training and support systems will improve the City’s ability to provide resources, education, and support to Brockton residents in the aftermath of a homicide. The system will also ultimately help the City develop a blueprint for combating the rise in shootings by offering emergency responses for families and loved ones who lose someone to homicide.

“Our primary focus is making sure that 2020 stays an anomaly, that increases in shootings and incidents of homicide don’t become the norm,” said Sandra Blatchford, SSRAC Director. “We know that violence can leave life-long scars, but evidence also shows that providing resources to individuals and communities does make a difference. This training is a step in the right direction, and the subsequent resources provided by our organization to the community will make Brockton safer.”

SSRAC, which has assisted survivors of domestic violence and their families for more than 40 years, is a non-profit community center whose focus is to create a confidential, welcoming environment where victims can feel safe to make empowering choices in their lives.

This training and network are modeled after the LDBPI’s partnership with the City of Boston, which is founded on trainings that instill the value of peace, and equips stakeholders with the skills needed to respond equitably and effectively to families dealing with murder, trauma, grief and loss. It will use techniques and materials such as the LDBPI’s Survivors’ Burial and Resource Guide to support families after the murder of a loved one. LDBPI’s training for its allies deepens the partner’s commitment to peacemaking and provides skills to address institutional racism and violence in their communities and examine the root causes of violence.

“The Institute has developed best practices and survivor-centered training to equip individuals with the emotional, social, and financial tools to support Survivors of Homicide Victims, starting with the death notification,” said LDBPI Founder, President, and CEO Clementina Chéry. “With our one-of-a-kind training in place serving as a model, Brockton will have a whole new set of tools to respond to homicides and offer support to its residents.”

“Brockton needs to always be there for survivors of violence, and especially during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Karen Fabrizio, SHARES, Program Coordinator. “COVID has had a marked impact on life stressors across the board, and people are increasingly turning to organizations, like ours, for support. We are proud to build upon our relationship with the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute to provide support and guidance to our community members.”

“It is so important for families to have access to the resources the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute offers in Boston. I’m so happy to hear that SHARES is responding to families after homicide and coordinating resources so that families do not have to travel for support like I did when my son was killed,” said Sharon Baker, mother of Tyrelle Robert Baker, founder of Life After Death.

This resource network will provide survivors of homicide victims with information and support, including referrals to social service providers, police, the District Attorney’s Office, Victim’s Compensation, and substance abuse programs. It will also provide individual and group counseling to family members and loved ones and collect and maintain statistical reports to provide useful data. It will enable Brockton providers to connect with a highly skilled and knowledgeable providers’ network serving Survivors of Homicide Victims throughout the state.

To successfully address homicide, Brockton must invest in social services that support survivors, that starts with death notification and continues with counseling, education, and health care — including mental health/spiritual wellness.

“We are grateful for our partners in the City of Brockton, Plymouth County DA’s Office, South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center, Life After Death and so many others for their bold charge to create the conditions in which we can work together to create safer and more supportive communities,” said Melinda Kneeland, Executive Director of Community Connections of Brockton and The Family Center.

Over the past year, there’s been an increase in homicides in some of the nation’s largest cities, including Boston, which has seen a nearly 40% increase in murders. In response, the LDBPI is increasing its efforts to partner with cities worldwide to share its resources and knowledge, including partnerships in California, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Puerto Rico, Illinois, Florida, and Canada.

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About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, founded in 1994, is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. The vision of the LDBPI is to create and sustain communities where all people are valued and all families can live in peace. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s programs and services are grounded in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social-ecological framework that interventions are needed at multiple levels to interrupt cycles of violence. The heart of their work is with families impacted by murder on both sides. Their impact extends to community and society through services, advocacy, and training.

About the South Shore Resources and Advocacy Center

The South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center (formerly South Shore Women’s Resource Center) is a victim service, not-for-profit, community-based program that has been assisting survivors of domestic violence for over 40 years. SSRAC is a program of Southeast Family Services, which believes that all people have the right to live free from violence and abuse. They provide free and confidential support, advocacy, prevention, and educational programs, working with both children and adults. This includes Healing, Education, Arts, Reconnecting Together (H.E.A.R.T), a branch of their overall program, which provides services specifically for impacted children. Visit their website at www.ssrac.org.

The Annual Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM) was created to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of murder on families and communities and uplift the peace-building efforts of Survivors Homicide Victims.

Ceremony to Kickoff 20th Annual Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month
(November 20-December 20)

BOSTON – The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) will host a celebration in honor of Survivors of Homicide Victims on Friday, November 20, at 1 p.m. The event will be streamed online and can be viewed via Facebook, Youtube, and the LDBPI’s website.

The ceremony, which marks the 20th Annual Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM) will recognize and honor Alexis R. Smith, Ruth Rollins, and Tanoy A. Burton, three survivors in its network that have continued to Inform, Influence, and Impact the community through-out this pandemic. The ceremony is to serve as a reminder that survivors are still here, standing in solidarity and working towards positive change in public policy, social justice, and stability. The event will also discuss the broad impact of murder, trauma, grief and loss and share how LDBPI works to provide important resources and uplift communities with peace-building efforts in partnership with local and government agencies.  

The LDBPI works closely with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Boston Police Department Homicide Unit, the Boston Public Health Commission, and Boston’s Neighborhood Trauma Teams to ensure Survivors of Homicide Victims receive meaningful and compassionate support while experiencing the impacts of murder, trauma, grief and loss. 

“All lives are valued. All families deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion regardless of the circumstances,” said LDBPI Founder, President & CEO Chaplain Clementina (Tina) Chéry. “Every day, the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute supports communities and families enduring the impact of homicide. This celebration is an opportunity to include members of the Boston community in our work to spread peace and compassion. We invite all our friends and neighbors to join us in acknowledging the experience of Survivors of Homicide Victims.” 

WHO:

  • Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 
  • Survivors of Homicide Victims
  • Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
  • Attorney General Maura Healey
  • State Senator Nick Collins
  • Representative Dan Hunt
  • Representative Liz Miranda

WHAT: 

Celebration of Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month, which was enacted in 2000 to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of murder on families and communities and uplift the peace-building efforts of Survivors.

WHEN: 

Friday, November 20 from 1-2:30 p.m. 

WHERE: 

WHY: 

The United States faces a national public health crisis of homicide, according to federal data. More than 13,000 homicides each year continue to rob families and communities of loved ones, and for every single homicide victim, there are at least 10 surviving family members, resulting in more than 130,000 new Survivors of Homicide Victims each year. Those Survivors are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, partners, grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family members, friends, neighbors, classmates, colleagues, and communities across the country.  

N.E. PATRIOTS FOUNDATION GIFTS $100K TO LOUIS D. BROWN PEACE INSTITUTE IN TIME OF UNPRECEDENTED NEED

Gift from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft will strengthen and sustain LDBPI’s mission of being a center of healing, teaching and learning.

BOSTON — The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) is proud to announce it is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the charitable organization founded by New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft. The grant will fund the LDBPI’s sustainability and its public policy advocacy efforts.

“In today’s world, there are unfortunately hundreds of people, very vulnerable people, people in need. And we’re in a position to help those people,” said Kraft, whose team is among the National Football League’s most successful and philanthropic. 

“I’d like to express my profound gratitude to the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation for your generous support of our efforts,“ said Tina Chéry, founder of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. “An investment in a survivor-led organization that informs, influences and impacts policies that create a more equitable society for families impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss is vital, if we are to bring about real and lasting change in our communities.”

The LDBPI provides services and outreach, advocacy and awareness, and training and education that transform society’s response to homicide.

In recent months, there’s been an increase in homicides in some of the nation’s largest cities including Boston that has seen a nearly 40% increase in murders. In response, the LDBPI is increasing its efforts to partner with cities across the country to share its resources and knowledge, such as its new collaboration with the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia. 

“I don’t know if I could be as understanding and merciful as you are,” Kraft told Chéry, when announcing the grant, remarking on her years of activism since her 15-year-old son Louis was caught in a fatal crossfire near his home in Dorchester in December of 1993. “You’re an amazing lady. For you to have the depth to be able to do what you are doing. We need more of that in America today.”

To view the emotional video announcement of the award featuring Robert Kraft and Tina Chéry, visit: https://vimeo.com/457862629/a30ada1ccb 

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About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute: 

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, founded in 1994, is a center of healing, teaching and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. The vision of the LDBPI is to create and sustain communities where all people are valued and all families can live in peace.  The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s programs and services are grounded in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social-ecological framework that interventions are needed at multiple levels to interrupt cycles of violence.  The heart of their work is with families impacted by murder on both sides.  Their impact extends to community and society through services, advocacy and training.

About the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation :

The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the nonprofit organization established by Robert Kraft in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic agencies.  

Robert and Myra Kraft each came from families that taught and practiced the principles of philanthropy.  Fifty years ago, they began their own mission of philanthropy and taught their children the importance and value of giving back.  Today, with more than $400 million in donations from the Kraft family and their foundations, the power of philanthropy has been felt by youth and families around the world by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health.

 

 

 

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute distributes free Peace Play Kits to help heal Boston residents from murder, trauma, grief, and loss

BOSTON — This summer, the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) was instrumental in helping the community heal from the impact of homicide during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing 50, free Peace Play in Urban Setting Kits to families, youth groups, religious institutions, and community-based organizations that were impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. COVID-19 has laid bare the need for increased community outreach, as the rate of homicides continue to rise.

“Since the pandemic started, we’ve heard the negative impact social distancing and grief have had on our community,” said Heather Dabreu, advocate at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. “And so, we’ve developed a plan that safely and effectively meets the needs of the community.”

Peace Play in Urban Settings is a healing modality that the LDBPI has used for 11 years to help families and individuals impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss become the architect of their healing journey. Recognizing the positive impact it can have on the community, as a whole, the LDBPI has expanded the Program’s reach to include additional groups and organizations as well as future plans to sell the Kits. As expressed by Peace Play participants Marisa and Cagen Luse, “It’s important to play. It is also important to bring this healing tool to any space you need to process, practice, and find peace.”

Adopted from Sandtray Worldplay as taught by Gisela Schubach DeDomenico, Ph.D, Peace Play in Urban Settings is a healing technique for individuals, families, and communities. This technique invites participants to create a world that represents the feelings and emotions they may not have language for, by creating scenes using miniature figures in a tray of sand. To get started, participants were provided with sand, trays, miniature figures and a self-guided workbook. 

The Peace Play in Urban Settings project was made possible by funding from the MGH Violence Intervention Advocacy Program (VIAP), the MGH Center for Gun Violence Prevention Mother’s Day Walk for Peace team led by Cindy Diggs and (partially) supported by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) through a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, and U.S. Department of Justice.

“Social distancing is difficult, in general, then add in processing the ongoing grief, trauma and institutional racism,” said Cindy Diggs, peace commissioner and founder of Peace Boston. These Kits will serve as another way to empower members of our community to heal in the comfort and the safety of their space.” 

“I feel that everyone grieves in different directions. I thought that after more than 26 years of loving my nephew, I was at a place where I had finally begun the process of getting to a place of peace and acceptance. I am now free. I am starting a new path of how do I learn to grieve again,” said Julia Thompson, Peace Play participant.

For more information about Peace Play in Urban Settings, please visit https://ldbpeaceinstitute.org/peace-play-in-urban-settings/ or call (617) 825-1917. 

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About The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, founded in 1994, is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. The vision of the Peace Institute is to create and sustain communities where all people are valued and all families can live in peace. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s programs and services are grounded in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social-ecological framework that interventions are needed at multiple levels to interrupt cycles of violence. The heart of their work is with families impacted by murder on both sides. Their impact extends to community and society through services, advocacy and training.