About Us
Our Story
Hear from Victoria Greene, Founder of E.M.I.R.- Every Murder Is Real Healing Center, as she shares the story of her son, Emir Greene, whose life was tragically taken by gun violence on March 26, 1997. Through unimaginable loss, Victoria found purpose is supporting other families impacted by homicide. Her Journey became the foundation of E.M.I.R. Healing Center and it’s commitment to advocacy, education, healing, and support for individuals, families, and communities impacted by violence.Â
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 Our Community Says E.M.I.R.
Hear from families, community members, partners, and supporters whose lives have been touched by E.M.I.R. Healing Center. Their words reflect the impact and healing.
