Hi Survivor,

I’m honored to welcome you to the latest Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice edition of the “We Are Survivors” monthly newsletter! My name is Jonathon Lewis, and I am proud to serve as the new Managing Director of this incredible organization. Whether you're a long-time CSSJ member, a supporter, a dedicated volunteer, or new to our community, we're glad to have you with us. 

Our newsletter aims to keep you informed about our initiatives, events, and the impactful stories of those we serve. In this issue, you'll find stories highlighting crime survivors' strength and resilience, updates on our ongoing advocacy efforts, and information about events and resources designed to support survivors and their families. Our mission is to ensure survivors' voices are heard and shape the policies and practices affecting their lives.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your support and engagement are invaluable as we work towards a safer and more just society for all. 

Jonathon Lewis 

Managing Director 

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice

We are thrilled to share the latest developments from our Crime Survivors Speak "Right to Heal" tour. Last month, we held powerful and impactful events in Hartford, CT, and Newark, NJ. For the first time in nine years, Aswad returned to the city, where he almost lost his life. Here are some highlights from these inspiring gatherings:

Hartford, CT: A Day of Solidarity and Healing

On June 18, 2024, CSSJ gathered in Hartford, CT, for a deeply moving "Right to Heal" event hosted in collaboration with Mothers United Against Violence. The day was filled with heartfelt stories, engaging discussions, and meaningful connections. Survivors, advocates, community leaders, and service providers shared their experiences and offered feedback on the draft "Right to Heal" policy platform.

Key moments included:

• Fireside Chat: An intimate conversation between Aswad Thomas and Rev. Henry Brown from Mothers United Against Violence highlighted the importance of sharing stories, forgiveness, community support, and the ongoing fight in Hartford to bring more healing and resources to the community.
• Policy Feedback: Attendees provided invaluable insights and feedback on the "Right to Heal" policy platform, helping to shape a comprehensive and survivor-centered approach.

Newark, NJ: Building Momentum for Change

Following the success in Hartford, we continued our tour with an event in Newark, NJ, on June 20, 2024. Hosted in collaboration with the Newark Community Street Team, the Newark event brought together a diverse group of attendees, all eager to contribute to the CSSJ movement.

Highlights from Newark included:

• Survivor Stories: Powerful testimonials from Aswad and two men impacted by gun violence now working on the frontlines of violence to break the cycle of violence underscored the urgent need for victim services, trauma recovery centers, and helping the community heal.
• Community Engagement: Engaging interactive sessions allowed participants to delve deeper into the "Right to Heal" policy platform and share their perspectives. There was broad consensus support for the policy ideas that were shared by CSSJ.
• Networking Opportunities: Attendees had the chance to connect with fellow survivors, advocates, and organizations, fostering new relationships and strengthening the support network for survivors.

The Newark event not only built on Hartford's momentum but also energized the community with a renewed sense of purpose and action.

Hartford and Newark's sense of solidarity and determination was incredible, reinforcing the community member's collective commitment to advocating for the right to heal and a new approach to public safety.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on these events' success, we are more determined than ever to continue our advocacy and support for crime survivors. The feedback and insights gathered in Hartford and Newark will be crucial in refining our "Right to Heal" policy platform as we prepare for the Crime Survivors Speak March in Washington, D.C.

This month, CSSJ and Aswad will be traveling to host events in Charlotte, NC (July 13), Detroit, MI (July 20), Boston, MA (July 25), and Philadelphia, PA (July 27) to host community events. If you’re in these areas, be on the lookout for more details on how you can participate.

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and how you can get involved in our mission to ensure every survivor has the right to heal.

Pennsylvania: On June 11th, Survivors from all of our chapters in Philadelphia, York, and Harrisburg spent a day at the State Capitol to advocate for our legislative package. Since that day, two of our legislative bills have continued to make their way through the legislature. HB 2162 was voted out of the House Judiciary right after our Survivor leaders were in the state capitol. This bill will increase public safety and workforce engagement by establishing an earned credit system to incentivize rehabilitation and remove barriers to entering the workforce after release from prison. HB 1441 was voted out of the House and will make its way to the Senate. This bill strengthens protections for survivors who need to break a lease or make their homes secure due to victimization and prevents eviction/discrimination due to victimization. 

Michigan: We’re continuing our advocacy to advance our multi-year productivity credits campaign to prioritize rehabilitation. On June 20th, our survivor leaders testified in front of the Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing to support our productivity credits campaign. We had additional members join in to support our leaders as they shared their stories and why this legislation is an important public safety measure for the State of Michigan. 

California: This week, SB 1051 was signed into law. The Survivor Tenant Protection law will straighten existing law that allow survivor tenants of abuse or violence to change the locks in their unit following victimization. This bill will also ensure that survivor do not face discrimination when seeking new housing because of their victimization. Thank you to all of the members and partner organizations that participated in advocacy to help pass this legislation. 

Stay connected with us as we continue to roll into the summer with more opportunities for you to get involved in legislative policy. 

Christine Brunson is one of our most active CSSJ Philadelphia chapter members. She works very closely with our amazing Chapter Coordinator, Yolanda Jennings, to bring our members together and recruit survivors to engage in our policy campaigns and community engagement. 

Christine has been a powerful advocate for crime survivors across Pennsylvania by attending legislative visits, sharing her story, and informing community members of the important legislation that will impact survivors. In October 2023, she also spoke at CSSJ's National Domestic Violence Awareness event and shared her powerful work with Purple House Project PA Inc.

Christine is a catalyst whose dreams defy societal norms and encourage others to follow their own. Her mission in life is to empower people, especially women, via personal transparency and collaboration. Christine is a mother to an incredible little boy. Professionally, Christine works as a Case Management Coordinator at a social service agency in Philadelphia and is the founder of Purple House Project PA Inc., a non-profit focused on intimate partner violence. The Purple House Project PA supports survivors of intimate partner violence through education programs, advocacy, and other critical services. Between all the work that Christine does, she also spends time writing articles about her experiences being visually impaired. 

As part of the Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington D.C., we are collaborating with 180+ community-based organizations from Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., and more. CSSJ partnerships with these organizations are crucial in helping to mobilize thousands of survivors to prepare to participate in the event. 

At CSSJ, partnering with grassroots community-based organizations is at the heart of our organizing and advocacy model. These organizations leverage their extensive networks and deep-rooted community engagement to recruit survivors from diverse backgrounds. Through local outreach and national and regional partner calls, we are spreading the word about the march and encouraging individuals from key cities to join us. This month, our partner organizations are coordinating the registration process to help survivors from their network secure their spot at the event, and we will begin to host policy advocates training for registered attendees to learn more about how to advocate with congressional leaders.

Thank you to the hundreds of community-based organizations that have joined this national effort to make our voices heard in our nation’s capital. We know many of you may be unable to join us in person. Next month, we will share more information on how you can sign up to watch the event's live broadcast.

CSSJ Right to Heal Event Tour:

• CSSJ Right to Heal Event in Charlotte, NC: July 13, 2024 
• CSSJ Right to Heal Event in Detroit, MI: July 20, 2024 
• CSSJ Right to Heal Event in Boston, MA: July 25, 2024 
• CSSJ Right to Heal Event in Philadelphia, PA: July 25, 2024 

Who We Are: New Members Orientation: 

• Virtual Training, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

To sign up for upcoming meetings and events, visit the events page here. 

CSSJ & NOVA Crisis Response Training in Chicago, IL:  

Supporting survivor leaders’ skills and capacity is a priority for CSSJ, and we were excited to host a three-day Community Crisis Response Team Training that was generously donated by the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) in Chicago on June 25-27. CSSJ members from across Illinois, including Chapter Coordinators Bertha Purnell, Gloria Hicks, Luz Doris Hernandez, Dolores Castendà, and Terry Burnside, learned the fundamentals of crisis and trauma, and how to apply techniques of active listening and validation to help people in the aftermath of traumatic events. The expert trainers were engaging, and participants enjoyed learning from each other and building community. We are grateful to NOVA, and we hope this is something we can share with more of our members in the future.

My Deals Deal of the Month! 

Do you have the My Deals mobile app discount program yet? This benefit for CSSJ members allows you to save on everyday purchases like movies, dining, car services, clothing, and more—all from your phone! Check out the 50% off meal deals right now, and look for amazing back-to-school deals starting July 15. Whether you’re buying school supplies, having pizza for dinner, or getting an oil change, we’re thrilled to offer this new discount program. 

Go here for the iPhone App!

Go here for the Android App!

To learn more about free counseling through BetterHelp and sign up for activities like our peer-led healing spaces and Wellness Wednesdays, visit this link. 

This month’s episode features a conversation with Anthony DiMartino, Director of Government Affairs at Californians for Safety and Justice.    

Anthony DiMartino dives into his journey into criminal justice reform, highlighting the transformative power of survivor stories to drive policy change. He reveals the secrets to building strong relationships with legislators through shared values, active

 listening, and showing up consistently. By centering the voices of those most impacted, Anthony shares effective strategies for achieving long-term policy change

that empowers survivors. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on leveraging personal experiences for impactful civic engagement and legislative success.