Baltimore Ravens’ community outreach efforts continue with $1 million investment to end gun violence

By Andrew Hall
AFRO Intern
ahall@afro.com

On June 16, the Ravens announced a $1 million investment to six organizations whose mission is to stop gun violence through prevention, crisis response and long-term recovery. The commitment bolsters current infrastructure in Baltimore, while supporting initiatives that can create widespread solutions. The announcement coincided with Baltimore Together: A Violence Summit, which was at M and T Bank Stadium and reflects the Ravens’ continued philanthropic efforts.

“Reducing gun violence is some of the most impactful work being done across our nation. It is life-saving work, and the progress here in Baltimore has been simply phenomenal,” said President of the Ravens, Sashi Brown, in a press release from the team. “The Ravens have a platform and a responsibility to shine a light on the frontline organizations driving meaningful change. We are proud to support partners who are advancing prevention, promoting healing and expanding opportunities for young people and families in Baltimore and beyond. 

The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) will use the funding to expand its Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), with technical assistance from the University of Pennsylvania’s crime and justice lab. Backed by research, the model has already seen major success, reducing shootings and homicides by one-third in Baltimore’s western district.

“I want to thank the Ravens for their commitment to Baltimore. This investment will support the Group Violence Reduction Strategy and help us build on the progress we have seen reducing homicides and nonfatal shootings to historic lows,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott stated, “The Ravens truly are Baltimore’s team, and continue to show up for our city day in and day out.”  

Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Healing Through Storytelling plans to use the investment to expand its “This Is My Story (TIMS)” initiative through its trauma units and to create a paid leadership program, “Champions for Change.” The fellowship will use healing practices, storytelling and advocacy to support youth across Baltimore that have been affected by violence.

“Gun violence is a public health crisis, and solving it requires partners willing to invest in prevention, not just respond to the aftermath. The Ravens’ commitment allows us to expand evidence-based, community-centered work that meets this crisis where it begins,” explained Joseph V. Sakran, executive vice chair of surgery for Johns Hopkins Medicine. “This kind of leadership from one of Baltimore’s most beloved institutions sends a powerful message: preventing gun violence is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s work worth fighting for.”    

University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center has platformed collaborative forums where local, state and federal leaders can connect with universities, healthcare and community organizations to establish partnerships and goal alignment. These efforts strive to develop long-term solutions to gun violence by harnessing the unique strengths and perspectives of each organization. 

“We are grateful to the Baltimore Ravens for recognizing both the urgency and complexity of gun violence prevention. No single organization can solve this challenge alone. The Ravens’ support of the Baltimore Together summit demonstrates their commitment to bringing together people who are driven by a shared purpose,” said Thomas Scalea, shock trauma physician-in-chief and system chief for critical care services at the University of Maryland Medical System. “Shock Trauma is proud to partner with our healthcare colleagues, community organizations, public safety agencies and civic leaders to advance solutions that will create a safer, healthier Baltimore.”

Funding for Roca Maryland will go towards the company’s evidence based violence intervention, which supports over 350 at-risk young men in Baltimore yearly. Roca’s proven model combines Rewire CBT, a nonclinical adaptation of cognitive behavioral therapy, outreach and transitional employment to help youth achieve long-term behavioral changes by healing their trauma and to protect them from violence. 

“We are enormously grateful for the Ravens’ deep commitment to disrupting violence in our community and their generous financial support of Roca. Our partnership with the Ravens, which extends well beyond their financial assistance, enables Roca to reach the highest-risk young people in Baltimore and provide them the support and skills they need to achieve transformative change,” remarked Kurtis Palermo, executive vice president of Roca Maryland. “Working together, we will continue to break multi-generational cycles of violence and expand opportunity for young people.”      

MedStar Health Hospital will use the funding  to support its Violence Responder program. It provides assistance to gun violence, human trafficking and domestic violence victims, aiding them with essential needs like shelter, food and clothing. Additionally, the investment supports education efforts within the community like hands only CPR training for students, Stop the Bleed and programs across Baltimore that are dedicated to preventing gun violence. 

“It takes bold, brave leaders and collaborators like MedStar Health, the Baltimore Ravens and other community organizations to identify resolutions to gun violence across Baltimore,” said Kenneth A. Pache, president and CEO of MedStar Health, in the press release. “In many ways, both of our organizations offer hope to those in need, whether it is the care and healing offered by our hospitals, outpatient care locations and teams, or the inspiration offered through sports and teamwork. We are united in stopping this epidemic—one that is completely preventable.”     

Everytown for Gun Safety will use the investment to help finance conflict resolution and gun violence prevention training tours for Baltimore high schools. The program, which aims to create safer communities, has already touched hundreds of local students, and generated nearly one million views on social media. 

“The Baltimore Ravens have been an invaluable partner in advancing community-led efforts to reduce gun violence across Baltimore. Their support helps amplify and fuel the work of local leaders, organizations and volunteers working every day to create safer communities,” noted Michael-Sean Spence, Esq., managing director of community safety initiatives and founder of the everytown community safety fund at Everytown for Gun Safety. “We are profoundly grateful for the Ravens’ continued commitment to Baltimore and for setting a powerful example of how professional sports franchises and corporate partners can leverage their platforms, resources and influence to strengthen community safety and inspire action nationwide.”

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