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Dear Friends, I am proud to announce the expansion of a non-profit that is working hard to combat violence in our community. Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes (G.M.A.C.C.), is one of my lead partners involved in the City’s recently expanded Cure Violence Model, and will open a storefront office on Monday, February 2 at 5712 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11203. Though the office will be open to the community soon, they need help gathering office furniture and supplies before the big day!
Below is more information about G.M.A.C.C. and the recently expanded Cure Violence Model , but anyone able to make donations should contact the non-profit’s Executive Director Shanduke McPhatter at 718-772-7429/ gangstamackin@gmail.com or my Director of Community Outreach Farah Louis at flouis@council.nyc.gov with any other questions.
Sincerely,
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G.M.A.C.C. was founded by Shanduke McPhatter, and provides a unique method of communicating with youth in a way which allows them to feel comfortable and give them alternatives to the street life. Another major part of their job description is what is referred to as violence interruption in which they are often able to quell any existing tensions among gangs and cliques as well as prevent violent altercations between such groups from occurring. The Cure Violence Model is a $12.7 million initiative comprised of joint funding from the New York City Council as well as The Office of Mayor Bill de Blasio. It includes the implementation of “wrap around” services which include job training, mental health and legal services. With these services the effort to reduce gun violence becomes a more thorough attempt at reducing gun violence. The 67th Precinct, which carries a major portion of my district, is one of the 14 precincts involved with the Task Force to Combat Gun Violence. In these 14 precinct commands, 51% of gun crimes occur. The Model is an evidence-based public health approach that identifies and engages individuals most likely to be involved in gun violence and deploys interventions, aimed at curbing that behavior before it occurs, including retaliatory shootings. The project employs “violence interrupters,” typically former gang members who have turned their lives around, to quell street disputes-intervening before escalation to gun violence-and links potential shooters to case management and supportive services. To learn more about the expansion and other organizations that are gearing up to work in our community, click HERE. |
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