Gun Violence Prevention through Focused Intervention

Top row: outreach specialist Dominique Johnson and case manager Jeria Jenkins, program manager Faith Lofton, case managers Andre Knight, Dejay Johnson, and Nesha Adams. Front row: outreach specialists Undre Ellis and Juddah Battles

Led by a team of skilled professionals from local neighborhoods, Project PEACE builds strong, supportive relationships that enhance safety and well-being across our communities.​

How Project PEACE Works

In collaboration with the City and County, schools, and community-based organizations, Project PEACE staff respond promptly after a gun violence related incident to provide affected individuals, families, and communities with guidance, support services, and connections to resources that promote healing.​

  • Designed in partnership with Saint Paul residents from neighborhoods affected by gun violence, Project PEACE addresses the real needs of our communities today.​
  • When gun violence happens, Project PEACE supports victims, families, and people involved while law enforcement investigates. This reduces the potential for retaliation and builds trust.​
  • To prevent gun violence from happening, Project PEACE life coaches and outreach workers support the people who are most likely to become involved in gun violence—so they can stay alive, safe, and free.​ 
Here’s some of what Project PEACE accomplished in 2025: 35 active clients; 346 hours of direct client service; 1,274 client interactions, including 316 check-in, 175 school advocacy, 124 parent check-in, 101 resource connection, 85 legal advocacy and support, 72 employment advocacy, 62 life skills coaching

Research: “Project PEACE is Delivering”

“What Does it Look Like to Keep Us Safe, Alive, and Free? An Evaluation of Saint Paul's Project PEACE”

Over two years, experts from from the Minnesota Justice Research Center worked closely with Project PEACE to evaluate the program as it was developing. Their findings, released in August 2026, are encouraging: “The data suggest Project PEACE is delivering. Project PEACE life coaches are keeping people safe, alive, and free—and the clients, families, and community members we spoke with made clear that this work matters.” 

Key Research Findings
Top row: outreach specialist Dominique Johnson and case manager Jeria Jenkins, program manager Faith Lofton, case managers Andre Knight, Dejay Johnson, and Nesha Adams. Front row: outreach specialists Undre Ellis and Juddah Battles

The People Behind the PEACE

Project PEACE is Saint Paul’s violence intervention program, built here and staffed by people who know our neighborhoods. The team connects people and families at the highest risk of gun violence with steady, practical support—helping them navigate grief, school, family stress, housing, and work before a crisis turns into violence. Get to know the Project PEACE team and the day-to-day work behind a safer Saint Paul.