Memphis Allies. Together for a safer Memphis,

Who We Are

Memphis Allies, an initiative launched by Youth Villages, is a bold and growing collaboration of community partners, clinical and outreach teams and national experts working together to stop the next shooting. Our programs are powered by relationships – providing participants with access to an outreach specialist, life coach, case manager and clinical specialist – an entire team devoted to helping individuals make responsible choices and transform their lives and their families’ future. We focus on the highest risk individuals because this will reduce shootings as quickly as possible. We believe in accountability and everyone putting in the hard work. And it’s working – 91% of our participants have not incurred another gun charge while in programming

See Who We Are

The streets don’t close, so we don’t close

The Challenge

Murder in Memphis dropped from 344 in 2023 to 184 in 2025 – an unheard of 46% decrease and the lowest since 2016, according to the City of Memphis Safer Communities Dashboard.

But our work isn’t done. Not even close.

Together, we have the power to chart a new course. Everyone has a role to play. We’re proving that ending gun violence is possible when the community leads the way.

How We Work

Our core gun violence intervention programs — SWITCH and SWITCH Youth — target those at the highest risk of gun violence, ages 12 to 35.

See How We Work

Support With Intention to Create Hope

Through our SWITCH and SWITCH Youth program models, we identify, connect with and serve the individuals most at risk of gun violence — offering not just hope, but real opportunity for change.

Learn About Switch

What can you do?

Gun violence affects all of us. Whether you volunteer, donate, spread the word or join a local event, your support matters. Together, we can create safer streets, stronger neighborhoods and a brighter future for the next generation.