June serves as Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time for communities across the nation to commemorate the lives of those impacted by gun violence, raise awareness about the issues of gun violence, promote a culture of safety and responsibility while advocating for change, and renew our commitment to creating neighborhoods where every individual can thrive It is a powerful reminder that violence prevention requires a collective effort by bringing together residents, community organizations, schools, faith leaders, healthcare partners, and public agencies to build pathways toward safety, healing, and hope.
In observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement, in partnership with Memphis Allies, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Regional One Health, and Heal 901 hosted the Wear Orange Community Event The familyfriendly event welcomed approximately 200 residents of Memphis and Shelby County to the Hickory Hill Community Center for food and games but also resource sharing and awareness Nearly 20 vendors were present, representing community-based organizations, government agencies, faith-based organizations, and Memphis-Shelby County Schools, providing valuable information and support services while demonstrating the strength of a united community approach to preventing violence
While June serves as a dedicated time to raise awareness, our commitment to violence prevention continues every day of the year Through collaboration, community engagement, and investment in evidence-informed strategies, we will continue to uplift residents and strengthen neighborhoods to advance our mission of a safer Memphis and Shelby County
Connectwithus: website:memphistngov/joint-office/ email:NeighborhoodSafety@shelbycountytngov or JointOffice@memphistngov
FOCUS IN
A glimpse of what the Joint Office is doing to support community safety in Memphis and Shelby County
Get Ready for Safer Memphis 365
Hosted by the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement, Safer Memphis 365 is returning with a fresh, interactive experience designed to spark meaningful conversations around public safety, prevention, and community solutions. Moderated by Judge Taylor Bachelor, this experience will feature respected leaders in public and school safety who will present thoughtprovoking ideas about how we create safe spaces wherewelive,work,andplay
Be a part of the conversation and experience the next chapter of Safer Memphis 365 Scan the QR codeorclickheretoreserveyourspottoday
BY THE NUMBERS
A snapshot of fatal and non-fatal shooting data shared with care, context, and commitment to keep residents informed
Recent data shows encouraging progress across Memphis and Shelby County, with consistent declines in both fatal and non-fatal shootings This progress reflects the combined efforts of law enforcement, frontline workers, and community-based organizations working to prevent violence, intervene in conflicts, and strengthen neighborhood safety
Current grants and investment resources to help partners grow, sustain, and deepen their impact in Memphis and Shelby County
Safer Shelby Summer Nites activities are in full swing during the month of June Funding opportunities were provided by the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement Additional opportunities may be forthcoming To accept funds for contracts or grants from Shelby County Government (SCG), you must be a registered vendor Click Here to start your vendor application
FY 2026 Future Leaders Exchange Global (FLEX Global)
Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs Award Ceiling: $10,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: Up to 11
Closing Date: 06/29/2026
FY 2026 Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education (TGIY) Program Department of Labor Award Ceiling: $1,700,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 4 Closing Date: 06/23/2026
FY26 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs Award Ceiling: Approximately $1,320,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 Letter of Intent Due: 07/06/2026
Treatment and Recovery Services for Youth, Young Adults, and Families
Department of Health and Human Services Award Ceiling: $545,000
Anticipated Number of Awards:12
Closing Date: 07/16/2026
FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors Programs Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Award Ceiling: $2,100,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 8 Closing Date: 07/17/2026
FY 2026 Continuum of Care Competition and Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Grants Department of Housing and Urban Development Award Ceiling: $25,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 7000 Closing Date: 08/26/2026
Click here to register
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re serious about building something better
Alexandria Taylor Resource & Success Manager
INSIDE THE JOINT OFFICE
A closer look at the team members supporting partners in community safety efforts
1. Which side of the Joint Office do you work for? City
2 What did you want to be when you were growing up? An actress or a sniper
3. What is the most unusual job you’ve ever had?? Collegiate Men’s Assistant Basketball Coach 4 What is your go-to karaoke song? Contagious (Isley Brothers) or Baby I’m Scared of You (Womack & Womack)
5. What is the best piece of career advice you've ever received? Be the change, be the voice of reason, be you, and break down barriers!
6 What is one skill you have always wanted to learn? How to eat with chopsticks 7 What would people never guess you do in your role? Be serious!
