Community Engagement to Reduce Victimization (CERV) is a community-based violence intervention program that works to reduce retaliatory dispute related violence.  CERV accomplishes this purpose for victims between the ages of 18 and 30 who arrive at Strong Memorial Hospital for a non-fatal gunshot wound, stabbing, or serious blunt force trauma by:

1. Utilizing a risk-assessment tool to identify the cases with a high risk of revictimization or retaliation.
2. Working with community partners each week to tailor a person-centered, trauma-informed response for the victim and their surrogates (friends, family, etc.).
3. Providing wrap-around services to reduce the likelihood of revictimization and retaliation.

For more information about CERV, please contact Keyvo Owens, CERV Coordinator.

Go inside the race against the clock to help victims of violence in Rochester

Rochester community groups stepping up efforts to help victims, prevent future violence

Rise Up Rochester helps victims of gun violence get back on their feet

Disputes without intervention, far too often, lead to either a casket or prison.  “It doesn’t have to end this way!” RUR’s Crisis Intervention and Outreach Team works to resolve disputes and stop violence from spreading.  The Crisis Intervention and Outreach Team:

1. Responds to homicide scenes to provide support and comfort to the families of homicide victims at the crime scene and in the immediate aftermath of a homicide,
2. Mediates ongoing disputes,
3. Facilitates a Support Group for Families of Homicide Victims at least twice a month,
4. Mentors high-risk teenagers in an all-boys group,
5. Conducts outreach at schools, on the streets, and at community events.
6. And provides other services for victims, families, and neighborhoods impacted by violence.

Rise Up Rochester, Inc.: We can make a difference and create a better world for our children

Volunteers with Rise Up Rochester respond to violence through community reach out

President of Rise Up Rochester reaching out to families of homicide victims

We understand how hard moving forward from the loss of a loved one can be and Rise Up Rochester, Incorporated is here to help and support you!  Our Moving Forward Support Group invites you to spend time with others who are dealing with the same grief and loss.

The Moving Forward Support Group meets the second Tuesday and fourth Friday of each month at 6:30pm.  For more information, please contact:

• Marcella Cunningham at (585) 745-0072,
• Retha Rogers at (585) 745-0069, or
• J. Scott (585) 745-0070.

Remember: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Back to School Bookbag Giveaway and Health Fair

In August, Rise Up Rochester, Inc. hosts a “Back to School Health and Wellness Fair.”  At this event, we provide hundreds of bookbags filled with school supplies, health information, and other resources.

Rise up Rochester’s second annual Back to School fair ushers in the season

Celebration of Remembrance

Each December, Rise Up Rochester, Inc. invites loved ones to remember family and friends that have been taken by homicide.  The Celebration of Remembrance will be held in the fellowship hall of Baber A.M.E. Church, 550 Meigs Street, Rochester, New York on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 7:00pm.  Registration is required.

Click here to register for the Celebration of Remembrance!

Christmas Party for Children of Homicide Victims

Each Christmas season, Rise Up Rochester, Inc. supports hundreds of children who have experienced one of the most traumatic events of their life – the death of a parent to homicide.   If you would like to support this event with financial contributions, toy donations, gift baskets with various items to be given away, or to volunteer, please contact Ms. Marcella Cunningham, Ms. Retha Rogers, or Ms. J. Scott.

Rise Up Rochester hosts Christmas event for kids of homicide victims

Safe Summer

Safe Summer is a community response to Rochester’s homicide problem.  It mobilizes residents to take back our streets. Some past activities of Safe Summer include an outdoor memorial service where families of homicide victims made t-shirts to remember their loved ones, yard signs that said, “It doesn’t have to end this way,” public service announcements with different tips on how to resolve disputes, and weekly walks in hot-spots.

Walk, Talk, and Pray brings together coalition calling for peace