For many Syracuse children, the threat of violence is just a part of daily life. But a new program is looking to turn trauma into triumph.

“We’re in the zip code of 13204, southwest side of the city,” said Timothy Jennings-Bey, CEO of Street Addiction Institute, Inc. “Historically, this is what we would call a gun cluster.”

It’s just one of the neighborhoods where children and teens frequently hear gunshots ring out, scarring them mentally and emotionally. So, members of the non-profit organization Street Addiction Institute Inc. are trying to help them heal.

“We want to help young people and families become whole again,” said Jennings-Bey. ”You’ll never be the same after you lose an individual, but we just want to give them different strategies to cope as much as possible.”

Jennings-Bey recently launched First T.E.A.M. to mentor those between the ages of 11 and 25.

“They needed assistance in understanding what empowerment is and how you apply that to everyday life and circumstances,” said Jennings-Bey. “The big one for me and for us was civic engagement. You have to give, you can’t expect things to come to you.”

Jennings-Bey said they’ll also provide academic support, practice mindfulness, and present new opportunities.

He said the Central New York Community Foundation’s $18,000 grant made this pilot program possible.

It comes from the foundation’s new Black Equity and Excellence Fund.

“On the cusp of the George Floyd murder, we really kind of looked at everything we were doing,” said Dashiell Elliott, the CNY Community Foundation program officer. “We we’re saying 'this is the time to say that we stand with this population, and we would like elevate the voices of those who aren’t really heard often.'"

The $1 million fund will assist black-led organizations over the next few years, with 27 grants being awarded so far.

“They typically don’t have that financial backing or power to be able to sustain themselves long term,” said Elliott. “So, this is really going to alleviate some of that pressure.” 

It gives children the resources they need.

“To cultivate the spirit of the young people, to give Syracuse that feel again, to get beyond all of the gunshots and the blood,” said Jennings-Bey. “I know we’re turning the corner slowly but surely.”