Mission Statement
The mission of MJE is to end neighborhood violence by empowering mothers and youth to challenge the normalization of violence and become effective catalysts for change in their homes, schools, and communities. We engage mothers, youth, & families by providing targeted support, educational opportunities, and the opportunity to advocate for peace as a community.
By reclaiming the identity of our communities, we restore a sense of hope and purpose.
Who We Serve
Violence in our communities does not just impact direct victims. Our population is struggling with the impact of trauma due to community violence, homicide, domestic violence, and related issues. Grieving mothers, siblings, and families are often left behind. Studies have shown that this target population faces challenges in all aspects of life due to the impact of trauma and grief.
We serve Individuals & Families primarily in Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, & Hyde Park, Massachusetts, who are:
- Facing racial inequities
- Endangered by community violence
- Unemployed or at risk for job loss
- Living in poverty
- Homeless/risk of homelessness
- Recent/Undocumented Immigrants
- ESL Speakers
- Struggling with physical and mental health needs
- Young parents
- Opportunity Youth
- Formerly Incarcerated community members (returning citizens)
Vision for Success
To ensure our children a promising future, they must have the support of the entire community. MJE has the vision of a world in which it is never normal or acceptable for children to be murdered. We believe that change will occur as the internalized expectations of what is acceptable in our neighborhoods change. Mothers are influential changemakers in our communities, and when given the right tools, they become advocates for transformation.
Mother to mother, family to family, block to block, we can change the story of our streets.
Our Approach
MJE’s approach is innovative; we counter violence by focusing on changing internal expectations and perceptions. We offer two areas of programming designed to support and inform each other: Education and Engagement. Education teaches the tools of civic action, while engagement provides opportunities for involvement in civic action. Combined, these programs create and nurture new leaders.
We collaborate with multiple service organizations, academics, and governmental agencies to explore opportunities for creative and effective actions, including The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), The City of Boston’s Neighborhood Trauma Team Network, The Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and more.
Thank You to Our Donors & Supporters
