Who We Are

Born and based in Memphis, we’re combining local leadership with national expertise to build a network of gun violence intervention programs rooted in the community, guided by data and proven to work. We believe real safety begins with real relationships. We collaborate with trusted local groups, churches, schools, businesses, foundations and government leaders.

Our Vision for a Safer Future

Our Aim

Memphis_Allies_Whitehaven_Community_Clean_Up_Event_2025

Scale our intensive intervention model to provide more than 800 of the highest risk individuals aper day with life-changing support.

Collaborate across the city to help build a thriving network of nonprofits engaged in reducing gun violence.

Sustain our impact in Memphis and contribute to national momentum.

This is long-term, systems-level work, and we’re doing it hand in hand with our city’s most affected communities.

Our Programs

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.

Get Involved

We can’t do this alone. Whether you’re a neighbor, nonprofit, donor, policymaker or parent, there’s a role for you in creating a safer and stronger Memphis.

Learn More

We believe the solution to community safety lies within the community itself.

Our Team

Every day, 225 full-time professional staff work on the frontlines in the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods, serving more than 600 individuals. Many of our staff have deep neighborhood ties and lived experience or “license to operate,” having overcome some of the same challenges our participants face.

Executive Leadership

Susan
Deason

Executive Director

With more than 30 years at Youth Villages, Susan has built and led several of the organization’s most successful programs, including LifeSet™. She brings both clinical expertise and community vision to Memphis Allies.

Carl
Davis

Managing Director of Operations

A Memphis native, Carl has been a leader at Youth Villages for more than a decade. He still lives in the Raleigh/Frayser neighborhood, where he mentors youth through local sports programs.

With more than 30 years at Youth Villages, Susan has built and led several of the organization’s most successful programs, including LifeSet™. She brings both clinical expertise and community vision to Memphis Allies.

A Memphis native, Carl has been a leader at Youth Villages for more than a decade. He still lives in the Raleigh/Frayser neighborhood, where he mentors youth through local sports programs.

Real Impact. Real Stories.

In the neighborhoods hardest hit by gun violence, Memphis Allies is already saving lives. In our 2025 Progress Report, you’ll read stories of transformation from the frontline heroes of Memphis Allies.

Read the Report