Village Against Violence provides prevention focused programs that empower youth, support families, and strengthen communities across Central Virginia.
Our grassroots projects/programs further expand the initiatives undertaken by the Village Against Violence, targeting mentorship for at-risk youth, conflict resolution skills, restorative justice, gun violence prevention, and civic engagement. Each project aims to empower individuals, strengthen community ties, and create a culture of nonviolence and advocacy within the village.
HAIR WE GO YOUTH PROGRAM
Hair We Go is a youth workforce development program that provides cosmetology, barbering, and entrepreneurship exposure. Youth build confidence, creativity, and career readiness through camps, after school programming, pop up classes, and hands on workshops.
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Career exposure in beauty and barbering
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Entrepreneurship and leadership skills
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Workforce readiness and soft skills
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Positive mentoring and safe community space
The Village Gives
Village Gives provides direct community support through food distributions, diaper drives, hygiene supplies, clothing, and seasonal community events. The goal is to reduce barriers and support family stability.
Pinky Promise Project
The Pinky Promise Project provides underwear and hygiene items to youth and families, supporting dignity, wellness, and confidence. Through our partnership with the Victoria’s Secret Foundation and community partners, we ensure youth have access to essential personal care items in a respectful and supportive way.
In partnership with the Victoria’s Secret Foundation
Youth Violence Prevention and Community Safety
Village Against Violence provides prevention focused education, mentoring, and community based programming designed to reduce violence and promote safer environments for youth and families across Central Virginia. Our work emphasizes conflict resolution, leadership development, accountability, and positive decision making through school and community partnerships. Programming addresses the root causes of violence while strengthening protective factors that help youth make safer choices and build resilience.
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As part of our prevention efforts, Village Against Violence incorporates Stop the Bleed education to increase awareness of bleeding control and emergency response skills during crisis situations. This training helps youth, families, and community members understand how to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives before first responders arrive.
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We also provide fentanyl awareness education focused on overdose prevention, risk reduction, and safety. This education helps youth and families understand the dangers of synthetic opioids, recognize warning signs of overdose, and learn how to respond appropriately in emergency situations. Our approach prioritizes education, awareness, and harm reduction while connecting individuals to trusted resources and community support.
MENTAL WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION
We support emotional wellness through community education, outreach, and referrals to trusted partners. Programming focuses on safety, awareness, and healthy coping strategies.
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Community workshops
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Youth wellness education
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Resource connections
Sports For Peace™
This program utilizes sports as a means to promote peace, teamwork, and conflict resolution among community members. It involves organizing sports tournaments, leagues, and friendly matches that bring together individuals from different backgrounds and age groups. The program will emphasize fair play, respect, and communication, creating an environment that promotes positive relationships and channels energy away from violence.
