Welcome to the April edition of Neighborhood News, the community newsletter from the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement Each day, community-based organizations and credible messengers are doing the critical work of prevention, intervention, and healing From supporting young people to engaging those at highest risk, these efforts continue to strengthen the foundation of neighborhood safety As we continue into our second issue, we are encouraged by the growing collaboration and commitment across Memphis and Shelby County to build safer, more connected communities.
We are excited to share that the Joint Office has relaunched our Power 901 Lunch & Learn series to expand and strengthen our ecosystem of partners In March, we introduced the Science of Hope, equipping participants with tools to better support individuals and communities through a traumainformed lens This month, we will host a supercharged Lunch & Learn focused on supporting our prevention and intervention partners who are working with high-risk and those at highest-risk and their families across Memphis and Shelby County, while also providing guidance on efficient and effective documentation practices
Neighborhood News remains a space to highlight important work, share resources, and uplift the partnerships driving impact across our communities Together, we are building momentum and creating pathways to more hopeful neighborhoods
Connectwithus: website:memphistngov/joint-office/ email:NeighborhoodSafety@shelbycountytngov or JointOffice@memphistngov
FOCUS IN
A glimpse of what the Joint Office is doing to support community safety in Memphis and Shelby County.
The Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement proudly participated in the 2026 Frank M Norfleet Forum for the Advancement of Health, hosted by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Department of Psychiatry. The forum convened leaders from public health, healthcare, and community violence intervention to address violence prevention through a public safety lens.
Representing the Joint Office, Director Valerie Matthews presented on “Ecosystem: Convening and Coordinating Around Violence Prevention,” which highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building effective and sustainable prevention strategies Ecosystem partners Susan Deason of Memphis Allies and Delvin Lane of 901 BLOC Squad also presented at the forum
Delvin provided insight into his professional and personal journey in violence intervention, including the history and development of 901 BLOC Squad During his panel discussion, he also addressed questions about workforce development, including key qualities he looks for in outreach staff Susan presented on “CVI: The SWITCH Model,” an evidence-based approach focused on interrupting cycles of violence and connecting individuals to critical resources and support systems
Ecosystem partners from Christopher A Pugh II Center, Lebonheur Children’s Hospital, Operation Taking Back 901, Safeways, T R A P , and The Youth & Family Resource Center were also in attendance The forum reinforced the message that violence prevention is both a public safety and public health priority, requiring strong partnerships and community-driven solutions
BY THE NUMBERS
A snapshot of fatal and non-fatal shooting data shared with care, context, and commitment to keep residents informed.
Recent data shows encouraging progress across Memphis and Shelby County, with declines in both fatal and non-fatal shootings This progress reflects the combined efforts of law enforcement, frontline workers, and communitybased organizations working to prevent violence, intervene in conflicts, and strengthen neighborhood safety
Tashayla Collins, a senior at Hamilton High School, has distinguished herself as a dedicated student-athlete whose commitment, discipline, and leadership have defined her high school bowling career Over the past four years, she has consistently demonstrated excellence both individually and as a key contributor to her team’s success Tashayla played an integral role in leading her bowling team to four undefeated regular seasons, reflecting not only her strong performance but also her ability to uplift and support her teammates
Tashayla and the team competed in four city tournaments, earning the title of City Runner-Up, while also securing three District Championships and one District Runner-Up finish Her team’s success extended beyond the district level, with two Regional Runner-Up finishes and two Sub-State appearances, placing them among the top competitors in the region Individually, Tashayla reached the State Semifinals, an impressive milestone that highlights her skill, determination, and passion for the sport
Beyond athletic achievement and through her involvement with Project STAND, Tashayla has developed strong leadership, perseverance, discipline, and teamwork skills that will continue to guide her future As she prepares to graduate, she plans to attend college and major in Sports Management, where she will build on her experiences both on and off the lanes Tashayla Collins represents the next generation of leaders who are focused, resilient, and ready to make an impact
The Joint Office, in partnership with Samaritan’s Counseling Centers of the Mid-South, is proud to spotlight the impactful work of Alexandria Morris, a licensed professional counselor who is transforming lives on the front lines of violence prevention and healing
“Alexandria is supporting people in healing the wounds of violence so that the cycle does not continue.”
Executive Director Kristin Fox-Trautman
Through Samaritan’s collaboration with BLOC Squad and Urban Community Ministries, Alexandria brings trauma-informed group counseling directly into the spaces where it’s needed most by supporting individuals impacted by gun violence as well as the front-line staff who serve them every day With compassion and clinical expertise, Alexandria creates safe environments for healing, helping participants process trauma, build resilience, and reclaim hope Her work not only addresses the immediate emotional wounds of violence but also plays a critical role in breaking cycles of harm within our community
On March 20, 2026, T R A P successfully graduated eight participants from its 8-week Embrace, Immerse, Evolve cohort This milestone marks a powerful step forward in supporting highrisk individuals on their journey toward personal growth and sustainable reintegration into society Mayor Paul Young attended as a special invited guest, delivered remarks, and personally acknowledged the achievements of the graduates, reinforcing the importance of investing in individuals working to rebuild their lives
The cohort was designed to reshape mindsets, increase selfworth, and prepare participants for life beyond the justice system Key focus areas included: 1 Self-esteem & personal development, 2 Financial literacy & workforce readiness, 3 Resume writing & job preparedness, 4 Self-care and mental wellness, and 5 Community engagement
Through consistent mentoring, practical life tools, and access to essential services, participants achieved meaningful outcomes, including employment, educational advancement, and improved housing and healthcare stability This cohort demonstrates that investing in individuals at the highest risk leads to meaningful, measurable change by benefiting not only the participants, but the entire community
Register Now for MEMPHIS ALLIES 2026 BREAKTHROUGH CONFERENCE
On April 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Memphis, changemakers from across Memphis and the Mid-South will gather for an energizing, action-driven experience focused on reducing community and gun violence The 2026 Breakthrough Conference, hosted by Memphis Allies, will feature interactive workshops and thought-provoking sessions led by national experts and local leaders in public health, education, and community violence intervention Participants will explore innovative, evidence-based strategies that are actively being used to prevent violence and strengthen communities
Attendees should expect:
Dynamic panel discussions
Engaging breakout sessions
Dedicated networking opportunities
Meaningful roundtable conversations covering topics like youth mentoring, trauma-informed care, substance abuse, self-care, and community collaboration
Community Partner Expo featuring local organizations
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a collective effort to build a safer, stronger Memphis Register now by clicking here!
Register Here for the virtual Parent Empowerment Support Group hosted by Freeman Outreach Center
The group is designed to provide practical tools, encouragement, and connection to help parents navigate the challenges of parenting The group creates a supportive space where parents can learn from one another, share experiences, and gain strategies to strengthen their families
Join the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis for a night that matters Be a part of something truly special by volunteering or attending the Annual Steak n ’ Burger Fundraiser on April 23, 2026, at The Kent This year ’ s event will be hosted by Stan Bell and feature keynote speaker, Earl Barron, who is a University of Memphis Hall of Famer and NBA World Champion with the Miami Heat
Every ticket purchased helps support 14 Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Memphis and Shelby County that provide safe spaces, mentorships, and life-changing opportunities for the young people who need it most Go for the food, stay for the inspiration, and leave knowing you made a difference Click Here to purchase tickets for this event To volunteer, contact latoyad@bgcm org
A day of healing, good vibes, & community!
Come for a day of selfcare, real talk, and mental wellness at the 4th Annual Festival
Click here for more information on the event and to volunteer
Current grants and investment resources to help partners grow, sustain, and deepen their impact in Memphis and Shelby County
Safer Shelby Nights funding opportunities will be available soon To accept funds for contracts or grants through Shelby County Government (SCG), you must be a registered vendor Click Here to start your vendor application
The Tony Robinson Foundation Grant
The Tony Robbins Foundation is currently offering grant funding to organizations around the world working to create meaningful change in underserved and often overlooked communities Grants are awarded on an ongoing, rolling basis.
Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Award Ceiling: $1,250,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 5
Closing Date: 04/27/2026
Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 13
Closing Date: 05/04/2026
Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Award Ceiling: $900,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 10-12
Closing Date: 05/04/2026
Family Based Alternative Justice
Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U S Department of Justice (DOJ)
Award Ceiling: $750,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 4
Closing Date: 05/04/2026
National Mentoring Resource Center
Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
Award Ceiling: $2,600,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1
Closing Date: 05/04/2026
Click Here to register
Your zip code should not determine your life expectancy!”
Tamika Williams, Deputy Director
INSIDE THE JOINT OFFICE
A closer look at the team members supporting partners in community safety efforts
1. Which side of the Joint Office do you work for? City
2 If you were an animal, which one would you be & why? Definitely a lioness - strategic, protective, and running the whole operation while looking unbothered.
3. What is one skill you have always wanted to learn? Juggling
4 What is your go-to karaoke song? Any Ella Mai song or something that lets me hit the shoulder bounce and the “I’ve lived a life” note.
5. What is your hidden talent? Reading a room in 5 seconds flat.
6 What is your greatest fear? Wasting my purpose. I’m not scared of hard things. I’m scared of meaningless things.
