About Us
Our Story
E.M.I.R. was established after the tragic murder of Emir Greene. Victoria Greene, a single mother of four daughters and one son, worked at the Phyla. Prison system as a drug and alcohol counselor/ social worker for twenty years. Victoria had a passion for helping the residents believe that they can live a productive life. It is ironic and a cruel truth that Victoria could not save her only son from the violence that lives in our streets. Emir was murdered March 26th 1997 at 20 years old. Victoria attended a grief assistance program for support and it saved her life. Through attending these support groups, Victoria witnessed the many family members who had lost loved ones to violence. Every week there were new families and the realization that every day, every week someone is being murdered in this city.
E.M.I.R. Healing Center’s dedicated team upholds the mission to provide services and support to family members and friends who have been affected by homicide because Every Murder is Real.
Every Murder Is Real
A Journey Through E.M.I.R. Story
The TRAGIC LOSS OF EMIR GREENE
E.M.I.R. Every Murder Is Real Healing Center was established following the tragic murder of Emir Greene on March 26, 1997, at the age of 20. Victoria Greene, a single mother of four daughters and one son, had worked for 20 years as a drug and alcohol counselor and social worker at the Philadelphia Prison System. She was passionate about helping residents believe in their potential for a productive life. Ironically and tragically, Victoria could not save her only son from the violence that permeates our streets. Seeking solace, she attended a grief assistance program, which proved to be life-saving. Through these support groups, Victoria encountered many families who had lost loved ones to violence, realizing that every day, every week, someone is murdered in the city. E.M.I.R. Healing Center's dedicated team upholds our mission; a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that advocates, educates, and supports individuals, families, and communities impacted by violent crimes.
Our team of over a dozen employees recognizes that the ripple effects of a homicide extend far and wide, touching every corner of the community. We provide support to family members and friends affected by homicide because Every Murder Is Real.
Victoria Greene
Founder
WE STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM
In 1999, Victoria Greene, the mother of Emir Greene, founded E.M.I.R. (Every Murder Is Real) Healing Center and received the organization's first grant from Maryland's Crime Victims. Awarding this grant to a grassroots community organization was uncommon at the time. The grant enabled Ms. Victoria and her daughters, along with volunteers, to provide essential grief support services to families affected by homicide.
Chantay Love
CEO - Founder
THE INCLUSION FIGHT
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) serves as the justice planning and policymaking agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PCCD brings together experts in criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related fields to collaboratively address issues, propose solutions, and evaluate their impact. However, small grassroots organizations were often excluded from discussions on how funding should be allocated to support Black and Brown communities.
Determined to advocate for equality in funding, Ms. Victoria and her daughters attended every PCCD meeting, invited or not, to ensure their voices were heard. Their persistence paid off as the undeniable data eventually led to EMIR Healing Center being awarded state grants.
Josh Shapiro
Governor of Pennsylvania.
THE PANDEMIC EXPANSION
During the pandemic, E.M.I.R. Healing Center expanded significantly, growing from 3 counselors to 10. Prior to this, E.M.I.R. had already implemented telehealth services, wellness programs, and culturally competent counselors to support the community in navigating life after a homicide. As the organization grew, founder Victoria Greene and co-founder Chantay Love received numerous awards, and E.M.I.R.'s programs were copyrighted and listed in the Library of Congress.
Key programs, such as Healing the Healers, WE LIVE, Wellness Wholistic Healing, Healing Arts, and Brother 2 Brother, became vital in providing life-saving and community-saving support.
Sharon Patton-Thaxton
Director
THE ANNIVERSARY
E.M.I.R. (Every Murder Is Real) Healing Center celebrates 25 years of service! To mark this milestone, we are hosting a grand Sustainability Fund Gala, set to attract a diverse array of attendees including Philadelphia's culturally rich educational and medical institutions, corporate entities, and private foundations. Our goal is to reach 1.6 million Philadelphians with the Philly Day Of Hope Campaign.
Amid the ongoing challenges of violence and murder, we aim to "Heal our Community, One Family at a Time" through our HOPE CAMPAIGN. The Philly Day of Hope, scheduled for September 21st, will bring a wealth of resources directly to those in need and will showcase Philadelphia's talent and vibrant culture.
Victoria Greene
Founder
TESTIMONIALS
What They’re Talking About E.M.I.R.
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