Atlanta Victim Assistance teams up with Atlanta schools to prevent youth violence

Atlanta Victim Assistance, Inc. (AVA), a 40-year-old nonprofit dedicated to serving crime victims in Atlanta, has expanded its school-based Safety 1st advocacy program to Luther J. Price Middle School. Safety 1st offers onsite school support aimed at breaking the cycle of violence by addressing the heightened risks faced by youth who witness violence in their homes, schools, or communities, and the program offers support to families that are impacted by violence.

Safety 1st, established in 2017, has already provided vital services to over 1,050 students and their families at Maynard Jackson and Carver STEAM Academy High Schools. The program involves three main components:

  1. Onsite advocates who offer advocacy, court accompaniment, referrals, and follow-up services to students and their caregivers during school hours;
  2. Victims to Victors (V2V) program offered in the Fall which is led by trained counselors and facilitators who facilitate support groups and sessions for youth and caregivers who have experienced trauma from exposure to homicide and family violence; and
  3. Safe Dates program offered in the Spring that uses evidence-based curriculum during sessions that equip young people with the tools they need to recognize signs of abuse and how to respond to dating violence.

“This expansion of Safety 1st into Price middle school marks a significant step in our commitment to providing critical early intervention for youth affected by violence and crime,” said Shontel Brunson-Wright, AVA’s Executive Director. “By reaching students as young as 11, we can intervene before harmful behaviors escalate, instill resilience, and equip students with the skills to navigate challenges and foster healthy relationships.”

Studies show that when young people receive guidance and support at key developmental stages—especially in environments with high social and economic disparities—they are less likely to become involved in at-risk behavior. The expansion of the Safety 1st program to Price Middle School is particularly impactful as it feeds into Carver STEAM Academy, allowing for prolonged student participation and increased services. This early engagement also extends guidance and resources to younger siblings of existing participants.

Our school advocates collaborate with school social workers and parent liaisons to identify students for the program, and students and caregivers at participating schools may also learn more and apply at www.atlantava.org/safety1st.

August 1, 2025

 

Safety 1st is operated in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta, a locally-based nonprofit that—in partnership with APS—is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty. Maynard Jackson is part of the Atlanta Public School system, and Carver STEAM Academy and Luther J. Price Middle School are part of Purpose Built Schools Atlanta.

Posted in Community, Mission