New Report: A Close Look at the Reality of Community Violence Interrupters

Dr. Kathryn Bocanegra and Dr. Shani Buggs, eminent researchers and experts on the work of community violence intervention, have published, together with LISC, Supporting the Frontline Through Community Healing: Advancing Science on Violence Intervention Outreach and Trauma Exposure. The study, focused on safety efforts in Kansas City, MO, is a deeply researched and compassionate look at the trauma CVI workers confront every day and how to support the field so that practitioners “are protected from the same harms they work to prevent.”

By Matt Josephs, Senior Vice President of Policy

LISC’s Matt Josephs reflects on this year’s State of the Union speech, taking particular note of the president’s comments about affordable housing, child care, climate solutions and community safety. "Taken as a whole, the speech offered a strong and hopeful statement of purpose,” Josephs said, adding that it will take sustained leadership at all levels "to translate promising ideas into on-the-ground progress for families and communities.”

As part of its partnership with the Department of Justice, LISC s supports practitioners and policy makers with best practices and overcoming challenges facing community violence intervention (CVI) work in American communities. An article from the National Criminal Justice Association highlights the many voices represented during a recent webinar for nearly 1,000 attendees, led by on-the-ground experts in violence intervention, researchers and DOJ leaders. The webinar is now part of a robust online resource center hosted by LISC and the DOJ’s Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative.

By Michael T. Pugh, LISC CEO

LISC president and CEO Michael T. Pugh reflects on what he's learned in his first months helming the organization, and shares top priorities for the year, both internally and for supporting the communities we work with. Green housing, second-chance employment and AI as a tool for more efficient credit-building and lending are at the top of the list, along with strengthening and streamlining LISC's operations to achieve maximum impact in people's lives.

A criminal record, no matter how old, still prevents people from securing employment, housing, and participating in their communities. But getting an outdated record cleared or expunged can be a financially and emotionally burdensome process. With support from LISC, Kansas City Digital Drive (KCDD) has been piloting the use of Clear My Record, an app designed to simplify the process of expunging criminal charges. And it’s already working, changing lives and paving the way for formerly justice system-involved Kansas City, Kansas residents to realize their goals. It’s also a promising new technology with potential to ramp up expungement efforts across the country.

By Michael T. Pugh, LISC CEO

LISC’s new CEO, Michael T. Pugh, reflects on the full-tilt activity and relationship-building of his first five weeks on the job. Meeting funders, community partners, residents and colleagues has been the most enriching part of the journey.