High Point Community Against Violence
Making High Point safer for everyone
High Point Community Against Violence has always focused on data – the answer to “who” is committing the violence in our city. Data has informed our strategic decision-making: which neighborhoods to target; which people to target. We have focused on the quantitative, not the qualitative. But thanks to William Hill and WFDD, we have the chance to hear one man’s answer to “why” someone commits violent acts.
Listen to it, read it or both.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has invited the High Point Police Department to present information about our Offender Focused Domestic Violence Initiative (DVI) that was begun in 2012 at its national conference in September. Based on the Violent Crime Focused Deterrence model, the DVI has helped reduce repeat domestic violence offenses in High Point. Almost 3500 offenders have been “put on notice” over the past six years of implementation. And while the program is not perfect – domestic violence continues to happen – it has made a difference, more than other strategies used in the past.
Read more about our DVI in this article from the Greensboro News and Record.
On September 24, 2015, the following article was published in the High Point Enterprise, written by the president of the High Point Community Foundation. As a result, one of our clients came in and made a $100 donation to our organization. He explained that he had read the article, thought about it and wanted to give back. We are grateful to both of them!
Giving 101: Best Deal in Town
There has been a seismic shift in the philanthropic landscape over the past ten years that I, coming from a corporate background, have enthusiastically embraced. It’s called “venture philanthropy,” and it is based upon the belief that charitable gifts should be made with the same expectation one might have investing in your own personal stock portfolio.
All nonprofit organizations should have a sound business plan, a means to measure success and a return on your investment. Obviously you won’t be getting a stock dividend, but what you should see, and be able to measure, is a tangible impact. What this philosophy introduces is accountability and it’s a promise that any organization you support should be able to provide.
Now, what if I told you that there is a nonprofit in our community who can promise you multiple million dollar dividends for your investment? Would you be interested in giving to an organization that provides this kind of returns? The organization I am talking about is High Point Community against Violence (HPCAV) and it may be the best “bang for your buck” in our city. HPCAV was established years ago by a group of ordinary citizens who partnered with our High Point Police Department in an effort to make their community a more safe and productive environment to live, raise a family and run a business.
Since its inception, they have been identifying and “calling out” serious offenders, offering them a chance to mend their ways and, if they choose not to, sending them on long-term stints in federal prison. They are proactive in working with those recently released from prison by helping them with housing, food and job training, to acclimate them to society and keep them from reoffending.
Most recently, HPCAV has started using a similar format to address domestic violence, which is not only more prevalent in this community than one would think, but also presents the highest risk to our police officers who respond to the calls. The key to their success in both of these formats is that the focus is rightfully directed upon the offender and they use the power of the courts to leverage reform or remove the offenders from the community.
High Point Police Chief Marty Sumner not only endorses HPCAV, he can show you that this organization saves our High Point well over $14 million a year. It truly is the best deal in town, yet they have always struggled to raise money for their minimal budget. The Rev. Jim Summey, HPCAV’s executive director, is paid by the City of High Point and their annual budget is less than $100,000 a year.
Every citizen, and certainly all of our local businesses, should be contributing to HPCAV annually. This program, which has been nationally and internationally recognized, deserves our admiration and financial support. I encourage each of you who read this article to consider just how much it is worth to you and your family to have a community that is safe from crime. There some things in life we do simply because they are right, true and just. HPCAV is one of these and if you would like to support them send your checks to High Point Community against Violence, 792 N. Main Street, High Point, NC 27262.
PAUL LESSARD, a recipient of the Carnegie Hero Medal and a catalyst for the growth of community outreach programs, is president of the High Point Community Foundation.
HPCAV members and friends, US Rep. Walker and Gretta Bush
Gretta Bush, HPCAV’s president has been named as a NC 6th Congressional District Community Hero of the Month by U.S Representative Mark Walker. Rep. Walker came to High Point in July and presented Mrs. Bush with a certificate and the United States flag that was flown over the Capitol on May 21, 2015.
Rep. Walker attended a call-in and was impressed with what he saw and heard, especially Mrs. Bush’s ability to tell the truth to the participants with graciousness and their acceptance of her and the message they receive.
The Community Hero of the Month is a way for Rep. Walker to honor people within the 6th Congressional District who are making a difference in our communities.
Effective August 5, 2015: To contact us, please use our new email address – hpcav@northstate.net
Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!
On May 1, 2015, HPCAV was presented the 2014 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award at FBI Headquarters, Washington, DC by Director James B. Comey. HPCAV was selected as the organization in North Carolina to receive this recognition. Board President Gretta Bush, Board members Robert Martin and Chris Martin, Executive Director Jim Summey, and High Point Police Chief Marty Sumner were there to receive the award.
“This year’s honorees have distinguished themselves in remarkable ways through their hard work, their leadership, and their strength of character,” said Director Comey. “They are ordinary citizens, but what they have accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary.”
“We are so honored to receive this award,” said Gretta Bush, HPCAV Board President. “After all these years of working together, it is so nice to see our efforts recognized.”
This special award was created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime and violence in America. Nominations are submitted by area FBI Field Offices.
High Point Community Against Violence was formed in 1997.
Preliminary 2014 year end statistics from the High Point Police Department show, once again, that the Focused Deterrence model successfully reduces crime.
Since we started using this model in 1997, High Point’s violent crime is down 67% even though our population has increased by 44%.
Yes, we still have violent crimes take place here. But we continue to work towards less crime and making High Point a safer place for everyone. We’re getting there!
HPCAV was honored to receive the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2014 at a presentation on November 20, 2014. Deron W. Roberts, FBI Special Agent in Charge from the Charlotte, NC office made the presentation to Jim Summey, HPCAV Executive Director and Gretta Bush, HPCAV Board president.
HPCAV was selected from nominations throughout NC. Members of the organization will travel to Washington, DC in May, 2015 for the official presentation ceremony, joining winning community organizations from other states.
HPCAV members with FBI Agent Roberts.
On October 16, 2014, the office of the United States Attorney, Middle District of North Carolina, recognized Mr. Zaki Khalifa for the donation of the building at 792 North Main Street in High Point for use by High Point Community Against Violence, Inc. (HPCAV).
The presentation was made on behalf of Ripley Rand, U.S. Attorney by Rob Lang, Assistant U.S. Attorney and original member of High Point’s crime reduction strategy task force. “Thank you for the example you set,” said Lang as he reflected on what the building has meant to High Point’s efforts to reduce violent crime.
In sharing a bit about why he donated the building, Mr. Khalif stated that as a result of some introspection, he had asked himself, “Is there something I can do to prevent crime by someone else? It was in that spirit that I donated the building.”
Mr. Khalifa is a widely respected and long time resident of High Point. He is well known as the founder and owner of Zaki Oriental Rugs and has been active in many community efforts.
The building provides HPCAV with permanent office space and serves as as a location for related prevention and intervention programs. Included is the Life Construction Program that teaches construction skills and provides hands on learning opportunities in a workshop in the back of the building.
