WYOMISSING, Pa. — "Not One More: A Peace and Justice Project," a collaboration between Penn State Berks and community outreach programs in Berks County, was recognized on the House Floor, along with Pennsylvania State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 23. 

"Not One More: A Peace and Justice Project" is a youth violence intervention and prevention program established in February 2023 through a $1.62 million Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant. This initiative employs evidence-based strategies to serve youth ages 14 to 21 in Berks County. In addition to establishing the program, objectives of the grant include working with community partners to identify youth who are at-risk of committing violence, as well as violence-interrupters they call “peacemakers.” The multi-year grant will run through 2025.      

The program’s staff, volunteers and clients, along with Penn State Berks criminal justice students, traveled to Harrisburg to meet with lawmakers about reducing youth violence in Berks County. Attendees learned more about the lawmaking process and how to partner with elected officials for the betterment of the local community. 

This program’s executive director is Ebonie Cunningham Stringer, associate professor of criminal justice at Penn State Berks, an active figure in social justice. Laurie Grobman, distinguished professor of English and women’s studies, is the director of special projects at "Not One More," and facilitates community storytelling. They work in collaboration with Edna Garcia-DiPini, executive director of RIZE Above Bars, a nonprofit youth organization in Berks County, who serves as director of programs.

Stringer stated, “We are using research and empirical evidence to make a real impact in our community, and it is an honor to be able to do this work. We are doing the work necessary to ensure that our children's lives will not be cut short because of senseless violence. Our children deserve to live the life of their dreams."

Since its beginning, "Not One More" has served more than 500 youth through its programs, including the Safe Corridors Program, which prevents and intervenes in violence for middle school youth during their walking commute to and from school. The initiative's Peaceful Parks summer program works to prevent violence at Barbey's Playground and City Park, which have been sites of youth violence in the past. The Peaceful Parks program is staffed by trained "peacemakers" who help to mediate conflicts before they intensify and lead to violence. 
 
For more information about "Not One More: A Peace and Justice Project," the violence intervention and prevention program, contact Stringer at 610-396-6018 or via email at ECS296@psu.edu.