Vision

Safe and Violence free communities in Atlantic County.

Mission

To mobilize the Community into action toward ending violence in Atlantic County. The Stop the Violence in Atlantic County organization is solution based and embraces all racial, ethnic and religious groups in order to achieve its goals and objectives.

Goals

To involve Key Community Stakeholders (Elected officials, parents, youth, schools, faith-based, law enforcement, local government, health and social service agencies, businesses, etc.) in a coalition promoting and facilitating community collaborative efforts aimed at “Stopping the Violence” in Atlantic County through the following:

• Educate the community about the risk factors for violence in Atlantic County
• Provide opportunities for Atlantic County residents to engage in anti-violence activities
• Engage youth in the planning and implementation of positive activities in the community
• Offer spiritual and stable support to all families of our communities
• Develop/utilize partnerships and resources to implement activities of the organization

Objectives

Establish the following ongoing committees with yearly measurable objectives which support the goals of “Stop The Violence”.

External affairs and communications

• Prepare and distribute editorials, positive messaging to youth and their families on how to prevent violence in the community.
• Educate the community about the risk factors for violence in Atlantic County.
• Provide information and empower parents and families with knowledge and skills to help prevent violence.

Program Committee

• To provide opportunities for Atlantic County residents to engage in anti-violence activities.
• To provide quarterly community forums throughout Atlantic County.
• To engage the business community in Atlantic County in job development and role modeling for youth (6 to10 businesses during 2011-2012).
• To hold one (1) gun buy back program in 2011-2012 and assist the County Prosecutor in implementation of the proposed year round gun turn in surrender program.

Development Committee

• Develop/utilize partnerships and resources to implement the activities of the organization.
• Research and apply for funding and volunteer resources to implement the activities of the organization.
• Research nationally the best practices and success models for services to at-risk youth.

Youth Advisory Committee

• Engage youth in the planning and implementation of positive activities in the community. This committee should include both male and female youth and at-risk youth.
• To promote positive youth activities and achievements (12 per year).
• To develop one annual signature event (i.e. fashion show, talent show, conference, etc.) to celebrate positive behaviors of youth in Atlantic County.

Faith Based Committee (Interdenominational)

• To offer spiritual and stable support to all families of our communities.
• To provide spiritual guidance and assistance to families, parents and youth to prevent violence in the home and community.