AUGUST 2026
ISSUE 6 | PAGE 1
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE JOINT OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY & ENGAGEMENT
August is National Wellness Month and a reminder that caring for our communities also means caring for the people doing the work. In community violence intervention (CVI), frontline workers show up every day for individuals, families, and communities experiencing some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Recognizing the importance of caring for the caregivers, the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement hosted “Recharging the Frontlines,” a Power 901 Lunch & Learn designed specifically for frontline workers across our ecosystem. Frontline partners participated in hands-on wellness activities, including a healthy smoothie station, chair massages, boxing release techniques, and guided mindfulness and breathing led by a licensed therapist. Attendees were encouraged to experience wellness in ways that were accessible, practical, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. They left with a self-carefilled toolkit of items to help extend the experience beyond the session and encourage continued attention to their personal well-being. This month, the message is simple. Self-care is not selfish. In CVI work, self-care is sustainability. Connect with us: website: memphistn.gov/joint-office/ email: NeighborhoodSafety@shelbycountytn.gov or
JointOffice@memphistn.gov
AUGUST 2026
FOCUS IN
A glimpse of what the Joint Office is doing to support community safety in Memphis and Shelby County
ISSUE 6 | PAGE 2
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 with consistent declines in both fatal and non-fatal shootings. This progress reflects the combined efforts of law enforcement, f rontline workers, and local community-based organizations working to prevent violence, intervene in conflicts, and strengthen neighborhood safety.
Non-Fatal Shooting Incidents January - August (to date) 2025
2026
500
400
The Countdown is On: Register for the Cities United Convening
With just over 60 days to go, Memphis is getting ready to welcome leaders, practitioners, and changemakers f rom across the country for the 13th Annual Cities United Convening being held October 20–23, 2026. As a Joint Off ice of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement ecosystem or community partner, this is our opportunity to show the nation what Memphis and Shelby County are doing to create safer, stronger communities. The convening will bring together national experts and practitioners to share promising practices and explore innovative strategies for community violence intervention and public safety. It is also an opportunity for our local community-based organizations, intervention professionals, public agencies, faith leaders, educators, and neighborhood partners to learn, connect, collaborate, and showcase the work happening right here at home. Have you registered? Have you invited your network? Are you ready to be part of this national gathering happening right here in our own backyard? Shelby County is ready. The countdown is on. Will you be there? Click here to register and use the discount code TENNESSEE to receive 50% off your registration.
2026: 324 2025: 490 (-33.88%)
300 490 200 324 100
0
Murder Incidents January - August (to date) 2025
2026
150
2026: 83 2025: 140 (-40.71%)
100
140 50
0 Data Reference: City of Memphis Safer Communities Dashboard and Memphis Police Department
83
AUGUST 2026
ISSUE 6 | PAGE 3
RECHARGING THE FRONTLINE
JULY 2026
ISSUE 5 | PAGE 4
BACK TO THE BASICS TEACHER APPRECIATION The Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement partnered with Heal901 to host the Back to the Basics R&B Teacher Appreciation Brunch, celebrating educators and connecting them with community resources and prevention programs that support students and schools. The event strengthened relationships with educators, introduced the Shifting Boundaries curriculum, and created new opportunities for future school partnerships. As part of the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) grant, the event increased awareness of Shifting Boundaries, an evidence-based program that promotes healthy relationships, personal boundaries, and violence prevention among middle school students. It also supported the RPE goal of expanding school partnerships and increasing access to prevention education throughout Shelby County. The educators in attendance expressed feeling seen and supported while sharing their appreciation because, to them, events are rarely curated with just them in mind.
JULY 2026
ISSUE 5 | PAGE 5
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT National Night Out is an annual communitybuilding event that brings residents and law enforcement together to strengthen relationships and promote safety efforts for stronger communities. On August 4, several Memphis police precincts and neighborhood watch groups gathered for cookouts, fellowship, and conversations with local officers as part of this nationwide crime and violence prevention initiative. The Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement team joined the National Night Out celebration at the Austin Peay Station, connecting with local residents, City of Memphis and Shelby County law enforcement, elected officials, community partners, and community-based organizations in efforts to increase collaborations that will foster safer, more connected neighborhoods.
JULY 2026
ISSUE 5 | PAGE 6
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
JULY 2026
ISSUE 5 | PAGE 7
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
JULY 2026
ISSUE 5 | PAGE 8
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
JULY 2026
ISSUE 5 | PAGE 9
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
JULY 2026
ISSUE 5 | PAGE 10
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
AUGUST 2026
FUELING THE FRONTLINES
Current grants and investment resources to help partners grow, sustain, and deepen their impact in Memphis and Shelby County
The Henry E. Niles Foundation is accepting grant applications on a rolling basis for nonprofit organizations working to nurture and uplift people in need. The Foundation’s areas of interest include education, economic self-sufficiency, and health and independence. Click here to learn more about the guidelines and application process.
ISSUE 6 | PAGE 11 We Want Your Feedback! 1. How useful do you find the grant opportunities shared in the Neighborhood News Newsletter? 2. Have you ever applied for or pursued a grant opportunity after seeing it featured in the newsletter? 3. What types of grant opportunities would be most valuable to your organization? 4. What could we do to make the grant opportunities we share more helpful to you? Click here to complete
No matter your plans, trust the process!
The Primary Prevention Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Department of Health and Human Services Award Ceiling: $500,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: 14 Closing Date: 08/24/2026
Ralphele Franklin Violence Reduction Specialist
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 2026 Consolidated Grant Program to Assist Children and Youth Affected by and to Engage Men and Youth in Preventing Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Office on Violence Against Women Award Ceiling: $500,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: 30 Closing Date: 09/08/2026 Culturally Specific Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Department of Health and Human Services Award Ceiling: $200,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: 25 Closing Date: 09/08/2026 FY 2026 Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance Award Ceiling: $3,000,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: TBD Closing Date: 09/25/2026 ROSS Rapid Response Program Department of Housing and Urban Development Award Ceiling: $250,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: 20 Closing Date: 01/25/2027
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 is your hidden talent? I am an undercover comedian.
3. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Live forever to keep changing lives like I’m doing. 4. What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this? A traveling fashion stylist 5. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? An eagle so I can soar high and look low. I like to be above my surroundings. 6. What is your greatest fear? Not having stability 7. What is your go to karaoke song? Can’t Stay Too Long by King George 8. What would people never guess you do in your role? Be a courier (van driver)!