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CSSJ Monthly Newsletter: We Are Survivors June 2025
Hi Survivor,
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month — a time to remember the lives lost, honor the survivors, and recommit ourselves to building communities rooted in healing, not harm.
For so many of us, the impact of gun violence is not a headline — it’s personal. It’s a daily reality that has shaped our families, our futures, and our fight for justice. This month, we uplift the stories and strength of survivors who are turning their pain into purpose, leading change in their neighborhoods, and demanding solutions that prioritize healing and prevention.
At Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, we believe that survivors are the experts. Your voice and your leadership are essential in creating real safety, not through more punishment, but through investment in trauma recovery, community-based support, and common-sense policies that stop violence before it happens.
Throughout June, we’ll be sharing ways to get involved!
We see you, we stand with you, and we thank you for being part of this growing movement for healing, safety, and justice.
In solidarity,
Jonathon Lewis
Managing Director
Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice
Gun Violence Survivor Highlight
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Quantel McKissic is a resilient gun violence survivor from Lansing, Michigan, whose journey embodies perseverance and transformation. After being denied victim compensation under Michigan’s restrictive laws, his case became a catalyst for change. With the advocacy of Crime Survivors for fSafety and Justice (CSSJ), Michigan reformed its compensation policies, and Quantel was finally granted the support he deserved. Empowered by this victory, he rebuilt his life and launched Hanks Cuisine , a soulful seafood restaurant that has become a local favorite. His story is a testament to the power of community, policy change, and personal determination.
Access to Victims' Compensation Campaign
At Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) , we believe every survivor deserves access to healing and support. That’s why we launched the Access to Victims Compensation Campaign —to ensure survivors across the country are aware of, and can access, the compensation resources they need to rebuild their lives.
We’re proud to share that this campaign has reached an exciting milestone!
* Over 90 partner organizations have joined forces with us to educate communities about victims compensation—helping break down barriers and spread awareness.
* More than 1,400 crime survivors have shared their voices through our national survey, offering crucial insight into their experiences with the compensation process in their states.
This powerful feedback is shaping our advocacy, informing policy recommendations, and elevating survivor voices in the fight for a fairer, more responsive system.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible CSSJ staff and all of our partners for the energy, commitment, and compassion they’ve brought to this effort. Together, we are making a difference.
Stay tuned—there’s more to come as we continue working to ensure all survivors can access the healing they deserve.
Action Alert: Share Your Story
As part of CSSJ's Access to Victim Compensation campaign, we created this video storytelling project to hear directly from survivors about their experiences with victim compensation. Our members sharing their stories are vital to this campaign, which is why we want to hear from you.
Every shared story helps raise awareness of the challenges of accessing victim compensation, inspires policy change, and expands community support for survivors.
Click here to submit your story now: [link removed] [[link removed]]
Crime Survivors Speak: Healing and Safety Conference
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Join Crime Survivors Speak: Healing and Safety Conference, where voices of survivors, advocates, service providers, system officials, and community leaders to transform public safety and justice systems.
Through a series of panel discussions, informative workshops, trainings, team-building activities, and collaborative group sessions, attendees will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to lead grassroots movements, advocate for legislative reforms, and strengthen survivor-led efforts within their communities.
REGISTER HERE! [[link removed]]
CSSJ Member Support Program Activities
Join us June 11 for Wellness Wednesday ! This month will feature special guest Oneika Mays for “Mindfulness Unbound”, a 90-minute gentle introduction to mindfulness practices designed specifically with survivors in mind. Register Here! [[link removed]]
Did you know that you have FREE access to Victim Assistance Training (VAT) Online, a comprehensive, web-based training program? The Office for Victims of Crime Training