Hi Survivor,

As we step into February, we are reminded this is a month of reflection, resilience, and renewed commitment to healing and justice. Whether you are new to our community or have been with us on this journey, we are grateful for your dedication to building safer communities and uplifting the voices of survivors.

This month, we honor the strength of our members and continue to advocate for policies prioritizing healing over harm. We also celebrate Black History Month, recognizing the leadership and contributions of Black survivors and justice advocates who have shaped the movement for safety and justice.

Stay engaged with us through upcoming events, advocacy opportunities, and resources designed to support you and your community. Together, we are making an impact—one step, one story, and one policy change at a time.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Let’s continue to stand together for safety, healing, and justice.

In solidarity, 

Jonathon Lewis 

Managing Director 

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice

Join Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice for an inspiring multi-city community event tour featuring Aswad Thomas, a survivor of gun violence and the National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. This multi-city community event tour is part of the Crime Survivors Speak: Right to Heal – Access to Victim Compensation campaign. The primary goal is to amplify crime survivors’ voices, increase public awareness of victim compensation programs, and advocate for policy changes that remove barriers to victim compensation. 

• During the event, participants will have the chance to:
• Learn more about Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice
• Connect with crime survivors in a supportive and empowering environment.
• Share personal experiences with the victim compensation program and how to better improve it. 
• Learn about the state victim compensation program and how to apply.
• Build momentum for future advocacy campaigns to remove barriers to victim compensation, increase access to victim services, and improve public safety policies
• Get information about Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice’s Organizing for Safety and Justice conference in Atlanta, Ga in August 2025. 

We invite survivors, community members, advocates, community organizations, faith-based leaders, and all those committed to healing and safety to join Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice for this important event.

In conjunction with our Access to Victim Campaign, CSSSJ will make available a select number of grants to individuals and grassroots organizations. Award Size: Grants will range from $500 to $4,500 depending on the scope, scale, and potential impact of proposed activities. 

Allowed Uses of Funds:

• Organizing and coordinating time on the project 
• Outreach and engagement activities (workshops, town halls, community events)
• Training volunteers to conduct outreach and assist survivors
• Logistic costs associated with hosting events (venue rental, refreshments, supplies)
• Collaborative initiatives with other local organizations or coalitions

For more information and details:

• Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - Informational Call (Register Here to Learn More)
• Friday, February 28, 2025 - Grant Application Deadline 
• Grant Application (Apply Here)

Did you know that CSSJ offers the following activities and resources to support members on their healing journeys, including free counseling through BetterHelp?

Sign up here: https://linktr.ee/cssjmsp

The Crime Survivors Speak Podcast shares the stories of survivor leaders transforming our nation’s safety and justice systems. Join visionary survivor leader Aswad Thomas as he shares the mic with everyday people impacted by crime that are moving from healing to action and winning real change for communities across the country. Listen to episodes at https://cssj.org/podcast.

If you're interested in being a guest, please complete this PODCAST GUEST QUESTIONNAIRE. Submission doesn’t guarantee you will be selected to be a guest on the podcast.

• Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - Who We Are: A Virtual Orientation for New Members (Register Here) 
• Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - Register and Share the Healing Together: A Celebration of Hope and Resilience (Register Here)