Safe, Alive and Free: GVI expands presence in Laurel

Laurel took another step toward strengthening public safety and community engagement during the Feb. 17 meeting of the Laurel Mayor and Council, as Ron Handy formally introduced the town to the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program and its expanded local presence.

Handy, a leader and transition coordinator with GVI, announced that the organization has officially opened office space in the State Service Center in Laurel. The move signals a deeper commitment to working alongside town leaders, schools and residents to reduce violence and build safer neighborhoods.

His involvement in Laurel began nearly two years ago following a series of shootings that shook the community and heightened concerns about youth and group-related violence. Town leaders and community stakeholders sought additional support and intervention strategies aimed at preventing retaliation and interrupting cycles of violence. Handy said he received a call in the aftermath of one such incident and has been coming to Laurel ever since.

“I’ve been coming down here every week, sometimes twice a week,” Handy told council members. “The great thing about it is there will be staff here now to help. You guys are stuck with me now.”

GVI, known nationally as “Group Violence Intervention,” is a focused violence reduction strategy that addresses serious and group-related violence through direct engagement with individuals most at risk. The model, developed by criminologist David Kennedy and the National Network for Safe Communities, centers on identifying small groups driving a disproportionate share of violence and delivering a unified message, “violence must stop, the community cares, and help is available for those willing to change.”

The approach combines clear communication, strong law enforcement coordination and meaningful support services such as job training, mentoring, education and other resources. Cities that have implemented GVI with strong collaboration between community leaders and law enforcement have reported significant reductions in shootings and homicides.

Handy shared that the organization has been active for nearly eight years and that he has personally been with GVI for six. He began as a youth life coach working directly with young people before transitioning into a supervisory role, helping lead teams that guide individuals through life transitions away from violence.

In Laurel, that work has already included regular school engagement. Last year, GVI representatives visited local schools monthly to work with high school students and participated in summer programming to build relationships and provide guidance.

“We’ve had a lot of positive outcomes throughout the state of Delaware,” Handy said. “Whatever knowledge that I have, I’m willing to give to everybody.”

During his remarks, Handy wore a hoodie emblazoned with GVI’s motto: Safe, Alive and Free. “That’s what we want everybody to be,” he said. “And everybody to find what free is to themselves, and what the safety is.”

The motto reflects the program’s emphasis on both accountability and opportunity, making clear that violence will not be tolerated while offering pathways for individuals who want to choose a different direction.

By establishing a physical office in Laurel and committing to regular attendance at council and community meetings, Handy signaled that GVI intends to be a long-term partner in the town’s public safety efforts. “We’re here to support. We’re here to help,” he said.

Town officials expressed appreciation for the added presence and the willingness of GVI to work collaboratively. As Laurel continues addressing the lingering impact of past shootings and focusing on prevention, the expanded partnership has a goal to ensure residents can “live safe, stay alive and find the freedom to build brighter futures.”