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# Memphis Allies | Reducing Gun Violence in Memphis.

Reducing Gun Violence in Memphis.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://memphisallies.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Honoring Bryan Mathis: The work must go on](https://memphisallies.org/blog/honoring-bryan-mathis-the-work-must-go-on) - Four years ago, Memphis Allies began its outreach efforts in Frayser. Bryan Mathis and his brother Brandon — twins born four minutes apart — were on the frontlines, finding the people at the highest risk for gun violence.
- [SWITCH Youth participant’s future starts with a huge step in the right direction](https://memphisallies.org/blog/switch-youth-participants-future-starts-with-a-huge-step-in-the-right-direction) - He was 16, sitting in Shelby County’s Juvenile Detention Center, when “Kevin” first heard about Memphis Allies.“From my homeboys,” he said.
- [‘Leading in Life Enterprise’ a key Memphis Allies partner](https://memphisallies.org/blog/leading-in-life-enterprise-a-key-memphis-allies-partner) - Unresolved trauma carries consequences. It is why the phrase “hurt people hurt people” resonates. Emotional wounds are easily passed from one person to another, like a toxic baton. Kinah Burks, founder of Leading in Life Enterprise (LLE), a Memphis Allies partner, understands this truth.
- [Want to change culture? Change social media](https://memphisallies.org/blog/want-to-change-culture-change-social-media) - Social media. Young people. Positive content. Sadly, those three things don’t always go together. Terrell Monger, pastor of One Accord International and who sometimes leads devotions with Memphis Allies staff, wanted to do something about that.
- [Case managers the ‘glue’ in Memphis Allies programming](https://memphisallies.org/blog/case-managers-the-glue-in-memphis-allies-programming) - Memphis Allies participants enter programming with real problems in need of practical solutions. Many times, a case manager is the person who leads the way in solving those problems.
- [Memphis Allies receives donation from Carnival Memphis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-allies-receives-donation-from-carnival-memphis) - Each year, the Carnival Memphis Children’s Charity Initiative selects different agencies to receive funds raised by Carnival and its Grand Krewes philanthropic organization at events held throughout the year.
- [Breakthrough Conference 2026](https://memphisallies.org/blog/breakthrough-conference-2026) - Breakthrough Conference 2026: Reducing gun violence takes everyone Law enforcement and gun violence intervention programs naturally have different perspectives. But Memphis Allies and the Memphis Police Department, while respecting the clear boundaries each must observe, have formed a solid working relationship.
- [Memphis Allies participants on a better path say there’s no turning back now](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-allies-participants-on-a-better-path-say-theres-no-turning-back-now) - Going through Memphis Allies’ SWITCH program model takes more than one path. That is, no two participants experience the same exact journey.
- [Meet Valentino](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-valentino) - Early on a weekday morning, Outreach Coordinator Valentino Smith was leading an incident review meeting for Memphis Allies frontline staff.
- [Frontline responders at Memphis Allies need care, too](https://memphisallies.org/blog/frontline-responders-at-memphis-allies-need-care-too) - Firefighter, paramedic, emergency room doctor... dedicated professionals who put others first and often perform heroics.
- [Red Door Urban Missions in South Memphis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/red-door-urban-missions-in-south-memphis) - Memphis Allies partner Red Door Urban Missions has deep roots in South Memphis.
- [Chance for Change](https://memphisallies.org/blog/chance-for-change) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FBFBFB” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”1.1em” header_line_height=”1.1em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”30px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_tablet=”” text_font_phone=”” text_font_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”1.3em” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=””
- [Memphis Allies at Autozone Park](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-allies-at-autozone-park) - Awareness knows no bounds. So, it does not matter that in the Memphis neighborhoods with the most gun violence, pick-up basketball games are far more common than impromptu soccer matches.
- [Not Left Behind](https://memphisallies.org/blog/not-left-behind) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FBFBFB” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”1.1em” header_line_height=”1.1em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”30px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_tablet=”” text_font_phone=”” text_font_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”1.3em” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=””
- [Impact, Truth, Grind and Unity](https://memphisallies.org/blog/impact-truth-grind-and-unity) - At the Youth Villages Employee Conference in October, Youth Villages employees from across the country had the opportunity to learn about Memphis Allies’ community violence intervention work. Managing Director of Operations Carl Davis and others shared how Memphis Allies is reaching those most at risk for gun violence. Included in presentations was the recently adopted Memphis Allies Code: Impact, Truth, Grind and Unity.
- [Think First](https://memphisallies.org/blog/think-first) - For Terranze Sharp, the first critical moment arrived at age 15. He grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was a member of the Gangster Disciples. One day, he found himself facing a choice: What should he do about this grown man who appeared ready to hurt, or even kill, his friend and fellow gang member?
- [Gun Violence Reduction Effort](https://memphisallies.org/blog/gun-violence-reduction-effort) - New city/county office another step in the gun violence reduction effort Sometimes, collaboration is a synonym for efficiency and effectiveness.
- [Trust is Earned, We're Earning it](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-allies-is-earning-trust) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FBFBFB” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_line_height=”1.75em” header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”1.1em” header_line_height=”1.1em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”30px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_tablet=”” text_font_phone=”” text_font_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”1.3em” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=”” header_2_letter_spacing_phone=”1px” header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=”on|phone”
- [Nothing to Lose](https://memphisallies.org/blog/nothing-to-lose) - ‘These guys have nothing to lose’ is why Memphis Allies’ Tito Porter does what he does A gun, Tito Porter says, is just a means to an end. In fact, at age 19, it enabled Porter to have his own place. “My first apartment on my own was a jail cell,” he said. Porter stayed more than four years. By the time he got out, he had learned money was worthless compared to freedom.
- [Carl Davis receives HBCU Empowerment Award](https://memphisallies.org/blog/carl-davis-receives-hbcu-empowerment-award) - Memphis Allies’ Carl Davis receives HBCU Empowerment Award. By his own admission, proud Craigmont High School graduate Carl Davis went to Tennessee State University because he had friends going there.
- [This Line of Work Chooses You](https://memphisallies.org/blog/this-line-of-work-chooses-you) - This line of work chooses you, you don’t choose it. For Memphis Allies and partner organizations, the work to reduce gun violence isn’t just a job; it isn’t just clocking in 9 to 5, it’s a 24/7 commitment.
- [Fueling Hope](https://memphisallies.org/blog/fueling-hope) - Fueling Hope: Memphis Allies donates van to the CPC. As part of the partnership, Memphis Allies recently presented the CPC with a new van and a monetary donation to support its community work.
- [Engaging One Block at a Time](https://memphisallies.org/blog/engaging-one-block-at-a-time) - Memphis Allies’ mission to reduce gun violence is carried out daily by going into the city’s neighborhoods. Sometimes when there is trouble, and other times to simply meet people where they are: to share some food and a conversation, or a laugh and provide a bouncy house and a water slide for the neighborhood kids on a hot summer day.
- [Mayor Young's Message to Memphis Allies Staff](https://memphisallies.org/blog/mayor-youngs-message-to-memphis-allies-staff) - In the aftermath of the April 9 drive-by shooting at Memphis Allies’ Hickory Hill site, there was an outpouring of support from the community. This started with Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who called within minutes to express his concern.
- [Power shift](https://memphisallies.org/blog/power-shift-deangelo-luckett-making-an-impact-for-memphis-allies) - At age 13, with his parents not getting along and his father mostly absent, Deangelo Luckett joined a gang. It didn’t take long for him to find a gun in his hand. With his mother struggling to feed the family, Luckett felt like he now had the means to help.
- [Memphis Allies sees progress in reforming violent offenders. Here's how](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-allies-sees-progress-in-reforming-violent-offenders-heres-how) - Louis walked into Memphis Allies for the first time in early 2025. He wasn’t there by choice, but rather a court order.
- [Making Vital Connections](https://memphisallies.org/blog/vital-connections) - Memphis Allies community relations team making vital connections. In 2022, when Memphis Allies began sending outreach specialists into neighborhoods, they also formed a community relations team.
- [A ‘viable part of public safety ecosystem’](https://memphisallies.org/blog/a-viable-part-of-public-safety-ecosystem) - Breakthrough keynote speaker: Gun violence intervention a ‘viable part of public safety ecosystem’
- [Meet Memphis Allies: Life Coach Florence Brooks](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-memphis-allies-life-coach-florence-brooks) - Life Coach Florence “Flo” Brooks brings some much-needed light and support to participants in the Memphis Allies SWITCH program in Raleigh/Frayser.
- [Meet Renardo: I Shall Not Die But Live | Memphis Allies](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-renardo-and-i-shall-not-die-but-live) - Meet Renardo, a Memphis Allies participant whose story of survival and transformation shows the power of community violence intervention in Memphis, TN.
- [Meet Outreach Specialist Antonio Dowdy](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-antonio-dowdy) - Antonio Dowdy learned all the hard lessons guns can teach a young man in Memphis. Now, he’s working to make sure others learn from his experience and take easier paths.
- [Ashley Furniture and The Grizzlies](https://memphisallies.org/blog/ashley-furniture-and-the-grizzlies) - Community Spotlight: Ashley’s and the Grizzlies give children a special night at FedEx Forum. Ashley’s Hope to Dream initiative partnered with the Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Allies to bring beds to the children and siblings of Memphis Allies participants and others.
- [Community Attends ‘Walk Against Gun Violence’](https://memphisallies.org/blog/community-attends-walk-against-gun-violence) - Change will require the ’collective us,’ Mayor Young says Jevonte Porter, Memphis Allies’ community relations director, was pushing a stroller at the Ninth Annual Walk Against Gun Violence in Orange Mound. Porter’s passengers in that stroller were precious to him: 2-year-old Jevonte Jr., and 3-year-old daughter Madison.
- [Meet Brandon & Bryan Mathis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-memphis-allies-brandon-and-bryan-mathis-life-coaches) - Meet Brandon and Bryan Mathis — Memphis Allies life coach twins bringing lived experience and dedication to community violence intervention in Memphis, TN.
- [Meet Case Manager Alejandro](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-case-manager-alejandro) - CASE MANAGER ALEJANDRO SALINAS 'GOES THE EXTRA MILE' Memphis Allies Case Manager Alejandro Salinas sees it all the time: trauma that impacts decision-making.
- [Meet Team Supervisor TCion](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-team-supervisor-tcion) - When TCion Cason was a combat medic, his commander had three words for Army troops as they entered a new area of Afghanistan where the locals did not know them.
- [Helping Heal the Hood](https://memphisallies.org/blog/helping-heal-the-hood) - Beamon’s Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis, which impacts Memphis youth through the arts, is a new supporting partner of Memphis Allies’ SWITCH Youth program.
- [SWITCH Hosts Community Event](https://memphisallies.org/blog/switch-hosts-community-event) - Raleigh/Frayser SWITCH participants put on event for the community
- [Memphis Allies Statement: April 9, 2025](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-allies-statement-april-9-2025) - We are heartbroken over the senseless act of gun violence on Wednesday that claimed the life of a Memphis Allies program participant at one of our sites. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and to the staff members who had been working with the young man.
- [This is 'Heart Work'](https://memphisallies.org/blog/heart-work) - This is ‘heart work,’ says Memphis Allies SWITCH supervisor His name is Earve Mathis, but around Memphis Allies’ South Memphis office, he is better known as “Mr. E.” A life coach supervisor in the adult SWITCH program, Mr. E knows well the cost of making bad decisions.
- [Memphis sees dramatic drop in homicides — outpacing national trends in new FBI report](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-sees-dramatic-drop-in-homicides-outpacing-national-trends-in-new-fbi-report) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FBFBFB” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ link_text_color=”#260EFA” header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”1.1em” header_line_height=”1.1em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”30px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_tablet=”” text_font_phone=”” text_font_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”1.3em” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”
- [Journey of Change](https://memphisallies.org/blog/journey-of-change) - A professional overview of Memphis Allies and its goal of reducing gun violence comes with slides, statistics, graphs and a few words from the leadership team.
- [Memphis Allies Receives Gold Kite Awards](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-allies-receives-golden-kite-awards) - Memphis Allies’ Tito Porter and Willie 'Fresh' Rodgers receive Gold Kite Awards. It takes a special person to work on the front lines for Memphis Allies. By engaging with people at the highest risk for gun violence, staff members accept several realities.
- [Holiday Toy Drive](https://memphisallies.org/blog/holiday-toy-drive) - Community generosity thrives at Memphis Allies toy drive. Memphis Allies hosted a Holiday Heroes toy drive in December.
- [Meet TaMara Reed](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-tamara-reed) - SWITCH Youth’s TaMara Reed: Helping participants see futures they did not imagine
- [Pain is Universal](https://memphisallies.org/blog/pain-is-universal) - Jennifer Davis, a clinical supervisor in the SWITCH program, said many participants began experiencing trauma before they were old enough to have memory of it.
- [Memphis Allies participants learn about themselves and each other through theater](https://memphisallies.org/blog/memphis-allies-participants-learn-about-themselves-and-each-other-through-theater) - He goes by the name “Mane Man.” When the leader of his clique was arrested, Mane Man stepped up, became the gang’s interim leader.
- [SWITCH Team Members Have Earned the Right to be Heard](https://memphisallies.org/blog/switch-team-members-have-earned-the-right-to-be-heard) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”70%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2%|5%|0px|5%|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”5%|5%||5%|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|0%||0%|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Troy Dotson’s face tells part of his story… there’s a six-point star with a ‘G’ for Gangster Disciples on his cheek. Two other tattoos
- [Outreach Never Stops](https://memphisallies.org/blog/outreach-never-stops) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” header_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Memphis Allies: Interrupting the drumbeat of gun violence Life coach Briant Kelly, also known as B Radical, has a routine with the guys he works with in Memphis Allies’ SWITCH program: he
- [Leadership Promotions at Memphis Allies](https://memphisallies.org/blog/promotions-at-memphis-allies) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Memphis Allies announces two leadership promotions As Memphis Allies moves into its third year of providing direct services to those most at risk for gun violence, Executive Director Susan Deason has announced two staff promotions: Jevonte Porter
- [Meet Regional Supervisor Aviance](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-aviance) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Right where she is supposed to be, Aviance Brown-Austin was meant for this work Aviance Brown-Austin was born to a 15-year-old mother, and partially raised by a youngish grandmother. “Technically, I raised myself,” she said. “Along with
- [Self-Care Isn’t Selfish](https://memphisallies.org/blog/self-care-isnt-selfish) - The danger of being on the front lines is never just immediate. Sometimes, it’s the collateral damage that hits home. This is true for combat veterans – many of whom suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), for law enforcement, for firefighters and correctional workers and, yes, for those working in community violence intervention (CVI).
- [A ‘Peacekeeping’ Mission](https://memphisallies.org/blog/a-peacekeeping-mission) - Memphis Allies: A `peacekeeping’ mission in progress Recently, Antonio Dowdy’s phone rang in the middle of the night. Dowdy, as a Memphis Allies outreach specialist, works to establish relationships with young people most at risk for gun violence.
- [Training Never Stops](https://memphisallies.org/blog/training-never-stops) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]At Memphis Allies, the training never stops Every day in Memphis, businesses provide their employees with continuing education and new training. It’s a temperature check of sorts. How are our employees doing? Are they consistently applying best
- [Meet Christina](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-christina) - BEHIND THE SCENES WITH MEMPHIS ALLIES: CHRISTINA GANN, A GUIDING LIGHT When the Memphis Allies initiative to reduce gun violence launched in 2021, the enormity of the challenge was understood: People on the front lines would be working with a high-risk population, but that population wouldn’t just be a collection of clones. Rather, each would have their own story.
- [Meet Randy](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-randy) - Known simply as “Coach” or “OG” to the young men he trains, Elite Performance Foundation founder Randy Dixon doesn’t hesitate to tell them that he loves them, saying, “Most of them have never heard that from a man.” Dixon’s boxing gym is in Hickory Hill, and he is a new partner with Memphis Allies’ SWITCH Youth program.
- [Meet Cody](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-cody) - Meet Cody Brown: Helping Memphis Allies participants enter the workforce Creating strong community ties is critical when it comes to the work of Memphis Allies and that is just what Vocational Coordinator Cody Brown does. “My job is to do all the behind-the-scenes work, so the life coaches don’t have to,” he says.
- [Meet Portia](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-portia) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” header_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Connecting high-risk individuals to the right services: Meet Portia Memphis Allies is increasing services to individuals at highest-risk for involvement in gun violence. Every
- [Meet Life Coach Angelo](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-life-coach-angelo) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]MEET MEMPHIS ALLIES: ANGELO, LIFE COACH, LIFELINE TO SUCCESS SWITCH TEAMCHANGING LIVES IS HIS CAREER Angelo was facing a really tough situation. He was living in a hotel and didn’t have
- [The Power of Two](https://memphisallies.org/blog/the-power-of-two) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”5%|5%||5%|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|0%||0%|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin-top: 0;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” header_font=”||||||||” sticky_enabled=”0″]In SWITCH Youth, clinical specialists and life coaches team up to help high-risk youth Meet Memphis Allies Switch Youth Clinical Specialist: Taneshia Blackshire Growing up in a small
- [U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty meets with a SWITCH Youth team](https://memphisallies.org/blog/u-s-senator-bill-hagerty-meets-with-a-switch-youth-team) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|tablet” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”] Sen. Hagerty and national visitors learn more about gun violence initiatives in Memphis As U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty looked on, life coaches and counselors reviewed the progress of one of the first participants in Memphis
- [Meet Memphis Allies: Life Coach Tony Matthews](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-memphis-allies-life-coach-tony-matthews) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Helvetica Neue Regular||||||||” text_font_size=”1.1em” text_line_height=”1.75em” header_font=”Helvetica Neue Light Standard – Bold Cond|||on|||||” header_font_size=”1.1em” header_line_height=”1.1em” header_2_font=”Helvetica Neue Light Standard – Bold Cond||||||||” header_2_font_size=”1em” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]A MEMBER OF THE LIFELINE TO SUCCESS SWITCH TEAM IN RALEIGH/FRAYSER
- [Helping Young Men Choose a Different Path](https://memphisallies.org/blog/helping-young-men-choose-a-different-path) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]This week, Royal Chatman will be in court supporting a young man who’s facing an aggravated assault charge. The stakes are high. The teenager could face incarceration… Chatman has personal experience with consequential days in
- [Meet Memphis Allies James Kirkwood, Law Enforcement Liaison](https://memphisallies.org/blog/meet-memphis-allies-james-kirkwood-law-enforcement-liaison) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” width_tablet=”70%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2%|5%||5%|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”5%|5%||5%|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|0%||0%|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”21px” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]James Kirkwood grew up wanting to be a pastor – and a police officer. He did both. Kirkwood served for more than 30
- [Youth Villages Launches $60 Million Gun Violence Reduction Initiative](https://memphisallies.org/blog/youth-villages-launches-60-million-gun-violence-reduction-initiative) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” width_tablet=”70%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]For more than a year, we’ve been working with community leaders and national experts to build Memphis Allies to address one of our community’s greatest challenges: deadly gun

## Pages

- [Home](https://memphisallies.org/) - Memphis Allies is Memphis' gun violence intervention initiative, working to reduce homicides. Learn how we're making Memphis safer.
- [Memphis Allies Latest News | CVI Updates & Stories](https://memphisallies.org/latest-news) - Stay current with the latest Memphis Allies news. Read staff spotlights, impact stories and updates on community violence intervention work in Memphis, TN.
- [SWITCH Program | Memphis Allies' Gun Violence Intervention](https://memphisallies.org/how-we-work/switch) - Memphis Allies' SWITCH program identifies and supports those most at risk for gun violence in Memphis. Learn how SWITCH and SWITCH Youth are saving lives.Memphis Allies' SWITCH program identifies and supports those most at risk for gun violence in Memphis. Learn how SWITCH and SWITCH Youth are saving lives.Memphis Allies' SWITCH program identifies and supports those most at risk for gun violence in Memphis. Learn how SWITCH and SWITCH Youth are saving lives.
- [Contact Memphis Allies | Reach Our Team in Memphis, TN](https://memphisallies.org/contact-us) - Have a question for Memphis Allies? Contact our Memphis, TN team about programs, referrals, partnerships or volunteer opportunities. We're here to help.
- [How We Work | Memphis Allies' Approach to Reducing Violence](https://memphisallies.org/how-we-work) - See how Memphis Allies reduces gun violence in Memphis, TN through community-based intervention, outreach and life coaching for those at highest risk.
- [Stay In the Know | Memphis Allies News & Updates](https://memphisallies.org/stay-in-the-know) - Sign up to stay in the know with Memphis Allies. Get the latest news, impact stories, and updates on community violence intervention work in Memphis, TN.
- [Our Partners | Memphis Allies Gun Violence Intervention](https://memphisallies.org/our-partners) - Meet the community organizations and leaders partnering with Memphis Allies to reduce gun violence in Memphis, TN. Together, we're building a safer city.
- [Donate](https://memphisallies.org/donate) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Donate” text_orientation=”center” header_scroll_down=”on” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Helvetica Neue|800||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”45px” title_letter_spacing=”1px” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(0,0,0,0.16)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(0,0,0,0.69)” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https://memphisallies.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Frayser_Raleigh_murals_013-scaled-1.jpeg” module_alignment=”center” height=”60vh” custom_css_main_element=”font-family: Helvetica;||display: flex;||justify-content: center;||align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}” background_overlay_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|true|true” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|0px||0px|false|false”
- [Memphis Allies Community Events | Gun Violence Intervention Outreach & Programs](https://memphisallies.org/community-events) - Explore Memphis Allies community events in Memphis, TN. See how we engage the community through outreach programs and initiatives to reduce gun violence.
- [Get Involved With Memphis Allies | Help Reduce Gun Violence](https://memphisallies.org/get-involved) - Support Memphis Allies in reducing gun violence in Memphis. Volunteer, donate or become a community partner — and help us rewrite the story of Memphis.
- [Submit a Referral](https://memphisallies.org/contact-us/submit-a-referral) - Know someone at risk for gun violence in Memphis? Submit a referral to Memphis Allies today. We identify, connect, and support those who need help most.
- [About Memphis Allies | Gun Violence Intervention in Memphis](https://memphisallies.org/who-we-are) - Memphis Allies, launched by Youth Villages, uses community intervention to reduce gun violence in Memphis, TN. Learn about our mission, team, and impact.
- [Blog | Memphis Allies — News & Stories from Memphis, TN](https://memphisallies.org/blog) - Official blog of Memphis Allies | News, brand updates, partnerships, community events, and more! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
- [Careers at Memphis Allies | Join Our Memphis CVI Team](https://memphisallies.org/careers) - Explore career opportunities at Memphis Allies in Memphis, TN. Join our CVI team to reduce gun violence and create lasting community change. Apply today.

## Categories

- [Memphis Allies](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/memphis-allies)
- [SWITCH](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/switch)
- [SWITCH Youth](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/switch/switch-youth)
- [Partnerships](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/partnerships)
- [Breakthrough Conference](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/breakthrough-conference)
- [Spotlight](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/memphis-allies/spotlight)
- [Partner Spotlight](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/partner-spotlight)
- [Spotlight](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/spotlight-2)
- [Community Events](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/community-events)
- [News](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/news)
- [Press](https://memphisallies.org/blog/category/press)

## Tags

- [Memphis Allies](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/memphis-allies)
- [SWITCH](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/switch)
- [Life Coach](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/life-coach)
- [SWITCH Youth](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/switch-youth)
- [Chicago CRED](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/chicago-cred)
- [The Memphis Grizzlies](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/the-memphis-grizzlies)
- [ashley furniture](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/ashley-furniture)
- [Outreach Specialist](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/outreach-specialist)
- [Self-care](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/self-care)
- [Breakthrough conference](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/breakthrough-conference)
- [Spotlight](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/spotlight)
- [Staff Spotlight](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/staff-spotlight)
- [Partner Spotlight](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/partner-spotlight)
- [Brandon and Bryan Mathis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/brandon-and-bryan-mathis)
- [Community Events](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/community-events)
- [Employee Spotlight](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/employee-spotlight)
- [Case Manager](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/case-manager)
- [TCoin Cason](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/tcoin-cason)
- [Red Door Urban Missions](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/red-door-urban-missions)
- [South Memphis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/south-memphis)
- [Autozone Park](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/autozone-park)
- [Soccer](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/soccer)
- [Employee Conference](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/employee-conference)
- [Impact Truth Grind Unity](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/impact-truth-grind-unity)
- [Carl Davis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/carl-davis)
- [Susan Deason](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/susan-deason)
- [Terranze Sharp](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/terranze-sharp)
- [Memphis Mayor Paul Young](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/memphis-mayor-paul-young)
- [Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/shelby-county-mayor-lee-harris)
- [Trevon Toney](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/trevon-toney)
- [Tito Porter](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/tito-porter)
- [HBCU](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/hbcu)
- [TSU](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/tsu)
- [Tennessee State University](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/tennessee-state-university)
- [Earve Mathis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/earve-mathis)
- [Me. E](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/me-e)
- [Briant Kelly](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/briant-kelly)
- [statement](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/statement)
- [Jeffrey Futrell](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/jeffrey-futrell)
- [Eric Watkins](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/eric-watkins)
- [Machelle Pugh](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/machelle-pugh)
- [Renardo Baker](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/renardo-baker)
- [Brittney Ragin](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/brittney-ragin)
- [I Shall Not Die But Live](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/i-shall-not-die-but-live)
- [J. Machelle Pugh](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/j-machelle-pugh)
- [Christopher A. Pugh II Center](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/christopher-a-pugh-ii-center)
- [CPC](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/cpc)
- [Orange Mound](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/orange-mound)
- [News](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/news)
- [Antonio Dowdy](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/antonio-dowdy)
- [Jennifer Davis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/jennifer-davis)
- [Deangelo Luckett](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/deangelo-luckett)
- [TaMara Reed](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/tamara-reed)
- [Holiday Heroes](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/holiday-heroes)
- [Toy Drive](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/toy-drive)
- [103.5 WRBO](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/103-5-wrbo)
- [Commercial Appeal](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/commercial-appeal)
- [Career Training](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/career-training)
- [Outreach](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/outreach)
- [Crime rate](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/crime-rate)
- [Rehabilitation](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/rehabilitation)
- [Therapy](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/therapy)
- [Clinical Specialist](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/clinical-specialist)
- [Andre “Dre” Davis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/andre-dre-davis)
- [Tatianna Hadder](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/tatianna-hadder)
- [Life Planning](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/life-planning)
- [Lifestyle Change](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/lifestyle-change)
- [trauma](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/trauma)
- [clinical therapy](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/clinical-therapy)
- [Valentino Smith](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/valentino-smith)
- [DeVone Boggan](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/devone-boggan)
- [Everystory](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/everystory)
- [National Stress Awareness Month](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/national-stress-awareness-month)
- [gun violence intervention (GVI)](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/gun-violence-intervention-gvi)
- [Portia Williams](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/portia-williams)
- [Jemera Lloyd](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/jemera-lloyd)
- [TeamCARE](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/teamcare)
- [Dr. Archandria Owens](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/dr-archandria-owens)
- [Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/memphis-police-chief-cerelyn-cj-davis)
- [T.W.I.N.S.](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/t-w-i-n-s)
- [Brandon Mathis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/brandon-mathis)
- [Carnival Memphis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/carnival-memphis)
- [InstaJam](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/instajam)
- [Terrell Monger](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/terrell-monger)
- [Jevonte Porter](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/jevonte-porter)
- [Kinah Burks](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/kinah-burks)
- [Bryan Mathis](https://memphisallies.org/blog/tag/bryan-mathis)