Mission

To partner with the community groups to create a world that is safe, just, and equitable.

Philosophy

• People with lived experience are the experts.
• People with lived experience are best prepared to do the work that needs to be done in the community.
• Community engagement should be mutually beneficial, based in equity, and collaboration
• Embrace is committed to removing barriers, accessing resources and convening coalitions to create a world that is safe, just and equitable.
  

Violence Prevention Programs

The mission of the Collaborative Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (CVIPP) is to reduce violence in Baltimore City by providing conflict mediation, case management, and mental health services in collaboration with credible messengers and peer recovery specialists. CVIPP operates at four locations in West Baltimore, where a team of peer recovery specialists, credible messengers, and social workers implement the program. Key performance indicators include the number of individuals served and successful achievements such as obtaining employment, felony expungement, and obtaining vital records. Outcomes are measured by the reduction in open-air drug sales and homicides in the identified community areas. Key partners include Peace Team, Baltimore Brothers, and We Our Us.

Youth Leadership and Development Programs

The mission of the Youth Leadership and Development Programs is to support youth in meeting their full potential. Youth receive mentoring by credible messengers, leadership training, entrepreneurship training, earn-while-you-learn opportunities, and near-peer mentoring. Key outcomes center on the number of youth served, program attendance, and educational and pro-social achievements. The implementation team comprises credible messengers, near-peer mentors and social workers. Key partners include the Heartsmiles, Peace Team, and Baltimore Brothers, Restoration Gardens 2, Department of Juvenile Services, Department of Social Services.

System Transformation

Embrace works to transform systems in large institutions of higher education to ensure that the voice of those with lived experience is included in academics, research, and program implementation. Embrace also works to remove barriers and access resources through administrative processes that are grounded in equity. Embrace also works with governmental partners to transform social service systems to ensure services are rendered with the least amount of barriers and with the highest degree of equity. Embrace also advocates for program implementation to be led by people with shared lived experience such as returning citizens, near peer mentors, and peer recovery specialists.

Training and Technical Assistance

The Embrace Initiative offers training and technical support to grassroots, non-profit, and governmental organizations. The program covers various subjects such as trauma-informed services, mental health, program evaluation, violence prevention, and implementation science. The training faculty comprises social workers, youth, credible messengers, legal professionals, and community leaders.