Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Allen. They and their team shared their story with us below:
No More Violence Organization started in memory of Deonte (DJ) Johnson, who was struck and killed by a car from a group of young guys fighting at Deonte apartment complex where DJ was outside playing. The Organization started September 2011 after is death April 14, 2011. Deonte Johnson was a young man who was loved by many, a young man full of life.
Patricia Allen shared with mom (April) she wanted to keep (DJ) memory never forgotten but also support families who have suffered the loss as well bring share awareness and prevention. It’s now 11 yrs. of surviving 83 families who have come through No More Violence Organization requesting their services to the planning of Funeral Services to long-term support meeting the family needs and 64 surviving children who are left behind.
The Organization is rewarding and an honor to serve so many families, but it can become very emotional serving grieving families as the founder met with families for the first time after they have been notified they have lost their child to violence.
The goals is connect with partnership business and provide as much resources to make the funeral planning process a little lighter for the family, such as finding a church for family in need location for balloon release the organization organize with the family to bring the community to come out and support to making sure volunteers from the community come out and help with repast where families don’t have to worry about the Organization takes care of serving and setting up.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road for No More Violence due to the increase of violence, more phone calls of families losing their child to violence, as well not having a facility or building space for No More Violence Organization to meet the needs of the community is where we are not effective enough where families can receive more services and the Organization can execute their programs is where the Organization has not been able to fulfill. The No More Violence Organization understands they are a nonprofit and donations are not coming in as much they would want to so it can meet the needs of families, but it’s hard to sometimes to met the family’s needs and services.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the founder of the No More Violence Organization, I can say that I’m in the role of case manager/ first responder when I get the phone calls of referral from people in the community wanting to come and meet a family that is in need.
I love serving families, it’s my passion, and I try to meet them where they are and provide as much resources and help whatever that family needs.
One family describes me as pulling out the red carpet and providing all they needed when their son died; they didn’t have to worry about anything because I was right there with everything, they needed help with, even helping the mother of the deceased do paperwork. I love serving others and very passionate about people and children. I’m a caring and loving person and willing to do anything to help; anyone out. I’m proud the most of the accomplished of hearing the feedback from the families I served and made the load a littler lighter for them, and they are able to move forward and able to get through their tragedy of loss. What set me apart from others the love of God and the passion I have for serving families, children, and the community.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I can say this, my mother told me when I was in school and did my class work, I always was the one that finished first and wanted to help others, the Teacher told my mom, and still today that is who I am, and I’m proud to know I have a servant heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nomoreviolence.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishanewseasonallen?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Other: www.nmvyouthconvention.org
