Our Approach
Modeled after Chicago's Cure Violence program, Cure4Camden approaches violence as a disease that can be stopped. Cure4Camden utilizes the Cure Violence three-pronged public health approach that involves:
Detection and Interruption - Trained violence interrupters and outreach workers aim to prevent shootings by identifying and mediating potentially lethal conflicts in the community
and following up to ensure that the conflict does not reignite
Behavior Change - Trained, culturally appropriate outreach workers identify and work with the highest risk individuals, those likely to shoot or be shot, in an effort to make them less likely to commit violence. They will walk by their side and help them understand the cost of violence and connect them with social services in an effort to better their lives. Outreach workers will redirect high risk individuals to positive pursuits, including jobs, job training, and returning to school
Changing Community Norms - The Cure4Camden interrupters and outreach workers engage the community to get involved by conveying the message that violence is not normal and the behavior can change. Posters, brochures, flyers, yard signs, banners, t-shirts and other materials are used to facilitate behavior change, promtoe non-violence, and carry pointed messages about the consequences of shootings and killings. Our Team
The Cure4Camden team consists of outreach workers, interrupters, and hospital responders who work in the communities in which they live or grew up. They have been selected to join the Cure4Camden team because they know the community and have been identified as credible messengers. These individuals, some of whom may have contributed to the problem at one time, are uniquely effective at solving the problem as a credible, professional intervener and messenger promoting non-violent solutions and a new way of life. Through monthly events, like peace rallies and community activities, all neighborhood residents can get involved in promoting the message of peace.
