PORTSMOUTH, Va. — As 2023 comes to a close, Monica Atkins, the founder of Stop the Violence757, reflects on the year of growth at her organization and celebrates the end of the year with another opportunity to give back to the community.
The organization was founded by Atkins after she lost her 25-year-old son to gun violence in 2014 while driving home with his girlfriend and brother in a drive-by shooting. Their focus is to share awareness about gun violence and educate about the "senseless acts of violence plaguing our community".
“We’ve succeeded with full events," she said. "We have done more than we normally do.”
Atkins said the organization has also made several connections with other groups.
"We've been partnering with a lot of people around the cities, in Norfolk in Newport News," she said.
Before the year ends, Atkins wanted one more opportunity to pay it forward, giving away free laundry cards to residents in Portsmouth and Chesapeake. Some families received a card with at least $20 to help pay for laundry at the Washland laundromat. It’s a reminder to the community that the organization is there for them.
“I actually see the need," she said. "I just sat around and thought to myself what are ways that we can pay it forward.”
She said it helps build trust and strengthens the community.
“To have other individuals that can really be an impact on the community and come forward,” Atkins said.
It comes after Hampton Roads saw a violent week with deadly shootings in Norfolk and Newport News. Atkins said those situations remind her that there is more work to be done in Hampton Roads. As she and the organization look to 2024, they’re hoping to expand programs for Portsmouth youth.
“We facilitate two after-school programs in the City of Portsmouth. Our goal is to be able to add more schools to the list.”
Atkins said the organization is also hosting a holiday gathering where she hopes to strengthen relationships with several community partners.