Fellow Advocate,

Community violence interrupters heard rivals were about to shoot up a baby shower at a pizza parlor in Chester, Delaware County. Within hours they connected with the individuals planning the attack. And just like that, a mass shooting was avoided.

This is just one story in our new report on how a historic surge in violence prevention funding contributed to a 38% decrease in gun homicides over the last two years. In the next few months, the PA General Assembly will decide if funding should continue to flow to these life saving programs. If it dries up, homicides will likely rise. 

Will you join me in calling on your legislator to include $100 million in funding in the PA budget?

In the last four years, the Violence Intervention Program has invested more than $200 million in community based programs just like the one in Chester. It funded an interrupter in Allentown who prevented retaliation while a victim was still in their hospital bed. It funded a fitness program in Lancaster that helped Brian shift from a rough life to hope and opportunity.

And with your support it can keep saving lives. Legislators are considering funding priorities in the budget right now. Will you tell them to keep backing the Violence Intervention Program?

Standing with you,

Adam Garber
Executive Director
CeaseFirePA