EMIR’s unique approach in providing Trauma-informed services to families of homicide victims in Philadelphia, aligns with evidence-based strategies for engaging individuals who have experienced or witnessed homicide, gun violence, or other violent crime. Research shows that families who experience homicide are much less likely to be involved in retaliatory violence when strategies are employed that increase pro-social bonds, promote anti-violence norms, and provide social supports for participants.  EMIR continues to be a leader in the city providing services to families.

AREA 32
EMIR is a part of several community organizations located in area code 19132. AREA 32 group is bringing resources to this area to support the residence that have been impacted by homicides and violent crimes. EMIR is bringing victim services, trauma workshops, and grief support to this area.

Violence Intervention Program (VIP)- Male Engagement program
The overall project goal is to assist black men and boys who have been exposed to gun violence and homicide though community engagement and mentorship to reduce gun violence rates in the future. This project working towards reducing gun violence in the North and Northwest sections of Philadelphia by engaging young African American men and boys in programs tailored to their concerns and needs.

• Youth Summit – Philadelphia youth have attended workshops on understanding and processing trauma, leadership development, conflict resolution, and alternatives to violence skills.
• Gun Violence Prevention Seminars – The Brother to Brother workshop/seminars are created for young men to have authentic conversation and to learn how to recognize traumatic responses and develop alternative coping skills to violence.
• Community Improvement Projects – The youth work to brainstorm, select, plan implement, and execute small-scale, community improvement projects such as playground clean-up, murals, constructing community gardens, cleaning-up vacant lots, etc. The goal is to have participants and their mentors invest in their neighborhoods and communities as a path to community pride and resilience building. 

Philadelphia Housing Authority Partnership
The PHA partnership is a collaborative project with the Residents Avisory Board to conduct workshops to support and assist PHA men from the ages of 18-32. EMIR is located at selected housing sites where eight-week trauma informed workshops are conducted to teach the men in the program to recognize trauma and learn coping skills alternative to violence.

CEG – Community Engagement Grant
This city awarded grant allowed EMIR to reach 159 Wellness Center Clients,  1447 individual counseling sessions, and 272 group counseling sessions. Being able to support this group success of this grant allowed for EMIR to continue giving services to families of Philadelphia that are needed.