April 18, 2025 e-Newsletter

Welcome to the IMPACT GNV e-newsletter, created to keep you informed on the City of Gainesville's gun violence prevention efforts and the impacts those have.

Save the Date for the Impact GNV Open House!

Join the City of Gainesville as we celebrate the opening of the new IMPACT GNV office space! “This new space is an opportunity to further the city’s gun violence prevention work and offer neighbors a safe space to gather in community,” says Gun Violence Intervention Program Manager Brittany Coleman.

Through the leadership of the City Manager’s Office, and in partnership with the Santa Fe College Foundation, IMPACT GNV is excited to open and welcome neighbors, partners and stakeholders to celebrate this milestone. Neighbors will get an opportunity to tour the space, meet staff and volunteers and have fun. The event is free and open to the public and includes:

• Touch-a-Truck
• Music
• Tours of the building
• Free food
• Games
• Health and safety resources

Program Spotlight

The Residence at Oakview – Prodigy Club

The Residences at Oakview’s Afterschool Prodigy Tech Club is a strategic response to the gun violence crisis that has directly impacted the City of Gainesville and the Oakview community, which has experienced multiple incidents of gun violence. Led by Community Director Jared Folds, Oakview’s youth came up with the idea of the Prodigy Tech Club as a concept combining gaming interests with online, interactive learning tools and hands-on projects.

Initially, the program started with two desktop computers the youth participant would share. With IMPACT GNV’s sponsorship, The Prodigy Tech Club has been able to upgrade the technology to include 10 laptops, a smart board, STEAM and robotic kits. The Prodigy Tech Club is now serving up to 36 at-risk youth five days a week. Since the club's expansion, they have incorporated social-emotional and cross-curriculum learning tools to empower the youth to achieve their behavioral, academic and literacy goals. Early data from the program shows high retention and IMPACT GNV is looking forward to the program's continued success. 

Community Safety Day

This quarter, Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) trained 18 more community members in crisis de-escalation, NARCAN administration and Stop the Bleed techniques. These courses give members of the community an opportunity to learn how to support someone experiencing a mental health crisis, such as contemplating suicide, and provide the skills needed to intervene in the event of an overdose or life-threating bleed. Twelve additional community members were certified in Mental Health First Aid. These efforts help equip Gainesville neighbors in supporting each other and reduce the stigma associated with addressing mental health.

Follow GFR's Facebook page to stay updated on registration and information about community engagement. If you would like to bring this training to your community or workplace, please contact Director of Community Health Initiatives Brandy Stone at StoneBL@GainesvilleFL.gov.

Get Involved!

Hey neighbors! Ever wonder how you can help keep our community safe while getting to know your neighbors better! Join a Neighborhood Watch or Community Group today!!

Why join?

Keep your home and loved ones safe

Build a stronger, connected community

Stay informed about local concerns, events, resources, and safety tips

Help deter crime—because together, we’re stronger!

Listed below are neighborhoods and communities with groups that you can join today. Recognize your neighborhood? Contact Byron Lewis at lewisbg@GainesvilleFL.gov to get connected and start making a difference. 

• Azalea Trails
• Bellamy Forge Crime Watch
• Cumberland Circle Crime Watch
• Deer Creek Senior Housing
• Duval Heights (Greater Duval Crime Watch)
• Duval Heights Front Porch Florida
• Fairfield Crime Watch
• Grove Street
• Kensington Park 
• Kirkwood
• Mill Pond
• Millhopper Station South
• North Lincoln Heights
• OakView/ Grove Street
• Old Northeast/NE Neighbors

• Pineridge HOA
• Phoenix
• Ridgeview
• Rock Creek
• Springhill Crime Watch
• Sugarhill
• Sweetwater Square Apartments
• Turkey Creek Forest
• Walnut Creek Neighborhood Crime Watch
• Fifth Avenue Crime Watch
• Phoenix
• Pleasant Street
• Porters Quarters
• University Park Area (UPNA)
• Wood Creek Village

Don’t see your neighborhood? No problem! Contact us today to add your group to the list or for information on how to begin a group in your neighborhood.

Gun Violence Awareness Month - June 2025

Join us in raising awareness, supporting survivors and fostering change.

Survivors of Gun Violence Memorial

When: Saturday, May 31, 9-11 a.m.

Where: Squirrel Ridge Park (1603 SW Williston Rd.)

What: A day of recognition, remembrance and healing.

Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation

When: Thursday, June 5, 5:30 p.m.

Where: City Hall auditorium (200 E. University Ave.)

What: Join Mayor Ward and the Gainesville City Commission as we name June 6, 2025 Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Gainesville.

Teen Midnight Basketball with Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Affairs

When: Friday, June 6, 8 p.m.

Where: MLK Center (1028 NE 14th St.)

What: A night of unity, teamwork and positive action! Wear orange!

IMPACT GNV Open House

When: Wednesday, June 11, 4-7 p.m.

Where: IMPACT GNV Office (401 NW Sixth St.)

What: Join the City of Gainesville as we open the new IMPACT GNV Office space!

Together, we can make a difference! Join us in taking a stand against gun violence and building a safer future.

Reach Out and Connect with Us

Email: colemanbj@gainesvillefl.gov

Telephone: 352-393-8388

Website: www.gainesvillefl.gov/ImpactGNV

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