Money for violence intervention, prevention efforts

A Pickens County-based program to reduce violent injuries and firearm-related deaths is one of five statewide awarded federal money.  The money arrives through the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention program of South Carolina DHEC.  The amount of each award is expected to range up to $40,000 a year for three years, depending on performance, availability of funds and service priorities.The Clemson Chapter of “POST” — Protect Our Stolen Treasures — intends to expand a street-outreach initiative that employs peace protesters, also referred to as credible messengers, to mediate conflicts, prevent retaliation and de-escalate community tensions.  The Clemson team leader, Yolanda Wingard, said, “Dr. Candace Brewer (Founder of the South Carolina Chapter of P.O.S.T.), has turned the pain of losing thirteen family members to gun violence to a mission of saving other families from experiencing the type of pain that she has experienced.  Dr. Brewer is a very passionate activist and has helped hundreds of people with grant money, so I can only imagine how many more people P.O.S.T. will be able to help now that funding is available.