Senator Klein Hosts Stand Up to Violence 1st Anniversary Peace March & Rally

Community comes together to celebrate success of the Stand Up to Violence program
40 percent reduction in shootings in targeted areas; Successful mediation of nearly 60 conflicts; Recent expansion into 43rd Precinct

BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) held the Stand Up to Violence 1st Anniversary Peace March and Rally on Saturday. The special event concluded with a Family Day celebration at the Pelham Parkway Houses.

Stand Up to Violence (SUV) is a unique, innovative violence prevention program which deploys ‘credible messengers’ to targeted high-crime areas in The Bronx. The model relies on dedicated ‘violence interrupters’ to reach high-risk individuals and mediate conflict in the community.

“Three years ago, when I first introduced the SUV Program here in the Bronx, we were facing an epidemic of violence in our streets, our backyards and our communities,” said Senator Klein. “In just three short years, this program has made a significant impact on guns and gang violence and reduced the incidence of shootings in targeted areas by approximately 40 percent. I’m proud to announce SUV’s recent expansion into Soundview and I look forward to continuing the fight to keep our streets safe for children and families.”

The SUV Peace March began on East 229th Street and White Plains Road at 10:00 a.m. A rally was held shortly after on East Gun Hill Road and White Plains Road. The day culminated with a fun-filled family event at Pelham Parkway Houses. Volunteers and outreach workers enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as an array of games and activities for both kids and adults.

“As we celebrate the one year anniversary of the SUV program, I am deeply proud to have been a part of this program initiated by Senator Klein. We are thankful to our members, outreach workers and families who have helped us to reduce shootings by 40 percent in our target zones,” said Pastor Jay Gooding. “I am grateful to see this program flourish in the community where I grew up in and I hope within the next year we will see an even greater reduction.”

“It’s critical that we work to keep residents safe, be on the lookout for crime and report incidents of violence as quickly as possible to our local precincts. The SUV program is a proactive program that is cleaning up our streets and keeping our families safe. I’m thankful shootings have been reduced in the community and look forward to further reductions in the future,” said Wanda Hayes, resident of the Pelham Parkway Houses.

Since 2012, Senator Jeff Klein has secured nearly $1 million in state funding for the SUV program. The SUV program is administered in partnership with Jacobi Medical Center and Fellowship Tabernacle Church.

For more information on SUV, please visit nysenate.gov or call (718) 822-2049.