The BUCK Squad

11/01/2026

After another shooting in our community last night, we have to remember that violence prevention is about so much more than what happens after the headlines.

It’s about the young people growing up in our neighborhoods. The ones who need guidance, someone to believe in them, positive influences, opportunities, and people willing to show up for them.

We cannot keep waiting until another tragedy happens to ask what we could have done differently.

There are young people in our community who need support. There are families who may not know where to turn. And there are people right here in our own neighborhoods who could make a difference if they had the right connections and resources.

You don’t have to be a parent, a relative, or even know a young person personally to care about what happens to them.

If you know a young person who may be struggling, or a family that could benefit from additional support, reach out. Connect with community organizations. Help point them toward positive resources, mentorship, and opportunities. And if you’re not sure where to start, reach out to BUCK Squad. We can help connect you.

Have a conflict that needs intervention? Know someone involved in a situation that could escalate?

Call the BUCK Squad hotline at 434-365-4187. We’re available 24 hours a day to help de-escalate conflicts and work toward safer outcomes.

This work takes all of us. It takes showing up, building relationships, investing in our youth, and being willing to step in before situations reach a breaking point.

Our young people are worth showing up for. Not just after something happens, but every single day.

That’s what prevention looks like. And that’s how we build a safer community together.

10/26/2026

🎃👻 TRUNK OR TREAT AT TONSLER PARK! 🍬🚗

Looking for some Halloween fun? Head over to Tonsler Park from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM for a night of treats, costumes, and community fun! 🧡

Bring the kiddos, throw on those costumes, and come enjoy the festivities! Let’s make this Halloween a safe and fun one for everyone. 🎃

10/24/2026

🧡 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Wartime Fitness Warriors 🥊

What if a boxing gym could do more than build stronger athletes? What if it could help build stronger minds, boost confidence, and give young people a place where they feel supported, valued, and understood?

That’s the mission behind Wartime Fitness Warriors, a Charlottesville-based nonprofit creating opportunities for youth to grow through boxing, fitness, academic tutoring, and mentorship.

Their work goes beyond the ring. By providing a positive environment, trusted adult support, and resources that promote physical, emotional, and academic well-being, they’re helping young people build the confidence and life skills they need to succeed.

Why does this matter for violence prevention?*Prevention starts long before violence happens. When young people have access to safe spaces, positive role models, meaningful connections, and opportunities to succeed, we help strengthen the protective factors that support healthier futures.

We’re proud to spotlight organizations investing in our young people and showing what community-based prevention can look like in action.

🥊 Learn more about Wartime Fitness Warriors:https://www.wartimefitnesswarriors.org/about

About WFW Wartime Fitness Warriors is dedicated to providing at risk youth in the Charlottesville and surrounding areas the opportunity to learn the discipline and art of boxing as a means to structure their future, physical wellness and simultaneously provide natural peer support to increase their....

10/15/2026

Call us first! We are here to help.

10/15/2026

No matter what our differences may be, we can all agree that gun violence has no place in our society. 🧡

10/06/2026

FUN FACT: Violence can spread through communities in ways that look surprisingly similar to how infectious diseases spread. Researchers call this “violence contagion.” That’s why preventing violence in one place can have an impact far beyond one person.

10/02/2026

🤝 **COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT**

This week, we’re shouting out ReadyKids! 💙

Violence prevention doesn’t start when violence happens. It starts much earlier with kids having safe adults, healthy relationships, support through difficult experiences, and families having somewhere to turn when they need help.

That’s why organizations like ReadyKids matter.

Their work supporting children and families helps build the connection, stability, and resilience that stronger communities are built on.

Prevention is bigger than stopping one moment. It’s about creating the conditions that help kids and families thrive.

We’re proud to highlight ReadyKids and the work they’re doing right here in our community.

👇 And check out their **Coat, Game & Craft Drive** below if you’d like to support their families this winter!

09/23/2026

🍂 First day of fall.

Historically, cooler months tend to see fewer shootings than the warmer months.

That’s a statistic.

But tell that to the family who lost somebody.

To the person recovering from a gunshot.

To the neighborhood that still remembers what happened.

Statistics matter because they help us understand patterns.

But behind every number is a person.

And one is enough.

09/21/2026

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: MEET HERB

If you know CVVI better known as The BUCK Squad, you definately know Herb.

As the CEO of Central Virginia Violence Interrupters, Herb brings lived experience, 25 years in recovery, and a deep commitment to helping people choose a different path.

His reason for showing up is simple: Somebody has to do something.

From responding to community violence to believing in people who are ready for change, Herb continues to show what it looks like to meet people where they are and keep showing up.

Get to know the person behind the mission. 👇

09/10/2026

130 people. Every single day.

That’s not just a statistic. Those are people, families, friends, and entire communities left dealing with the impact.

We can’t normalize violence. We have to keep talking about it, supporting each other, and doing our part to build safer communities.

Prevention starts with all of us.