Empowering Communities, Strengthening Legacies
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Protect in Peace (PIP) is more than a mission—it’s a movement.
Through education and support, we equip and empower youth, families, and community members to promote firearm safety, build resilience, and strengthen community well-being.
Key Partnerships
A New Legacy
Family Services
Providing trauma-informed mental health support and facilitating family support groups.
The Holistic Agency
Utilizing a harm reduction framework to provide subject matter experience through a trauma and culturally informed approach.
Collect Virginia
Driving impactful marketing campaigns and project execution to amplify P.I.P.’s reach.
Virginia Department of
Criminal Justice Services
Major funder for 2024-2026, ensuring the sustainability and growth of P.I.P.’s programs.
Attorney General’s Office: Youth Violence Prevention
Sponsoring a comprehensive marketing campaign to raise awareness and support for the initiative.
REAL STORIES.REAL IMPACT.
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Equipping Generations for a
Legacy of Peace
Teens in our community face the realities of gun violence—navigating domestic violence, gang threats, and the challenges of unsafe firearm practices. Through PIP, they gain critical tools and education, not just to recognize risks and seek help, but to promote safer environments through informed firearm handling and storage practices.
Gun violence isn’t just about prevention; it’s about education. By understanding warning signs, limiting access in at-risk situations, and teaching responsible practices, we can protect our communities. P.I.P. empowers youth and families to foster safety, resilience, and hope for a stronger future.
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Building a Legacy of Hope:
Honoring Ja'Shaun 'Pip' O’Neil
Why PIP Matters?
Every statistic on firearm violence represents a life impacted, a family grieving, and a community striving for peace.
​​Protect in Peace (PIP) addresses the root causes of violence to inspire resilience, foster healing, and equip individuals with tools to thrive. Rooted in hope and inspired by Ja'Shaun "Pip" O’Neil, P.I.P. is dedicated to meaningful change for youth, families, and communities across Virginia.
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In Honor of Pip
Ja’Shaun "Pip" O’Neil, born February 7, 1993, in Richmond, VA, brought joy and energy to all who knew him. As a talented basketball player, entrepreneur, and nationally acclaimed rapper, Pip was deeply loyal, charismatic, and known for his radiant smile.
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A proud father of three, Pip cherished his family and friends, spreading love and laughter wherever he went. Tragically, on June 4th, 2022, his life was cut short by gun violence. His vibrant spirit and boundless ambition will forever be missed.
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Through P.I.P., we honor Pip’s memory by building a legacy of hope and resilience. His story fuels our mission to create safer communities and brighter futures for generations to come.
There is no one solution to gun violence. Addressing this issue requires a holistic approach, centering the most affected populations within their environment and lived experiences.
Knowledge Quiz:
Are You Equipped to Protect in Peace?
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Test your knowledge on safety, resilience, and communication practices.
Learn how the PIP Initiative can help you make an impact in your community.
Do you feel confident having conversations about safety and resilience with your family members?
Yes
Sometimes
No
Do you feel equipped to recognize and respond to signs of stress or emotional challenges in your family?
Yes
Sometimes
No
Are you familiar with the mental health and safety resources available in your community?
Yes
Sometimes
No
In a time of growing challenges around safety and resilience, education and resources are vital. Whether reflected in 'Sometimes' or 'No,' we all play a role in building safer, stronger communities.
The Protect in Peace (PIP) Initiative tackles these challenges head-on, empowering youth, families, and communities through tailored programs that promote safety, resilience, and generational change.
Discover How PIP Makes a Difference
Inspired by the success of the Control the Narrative (CTN) program, PIP builds on its foundation by integrating trauma-informed care, family support groups, and skill-building workshops. These initiatives address the broader needs of communities while fostering long-term, positive outcomes.
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From youth workshops to community-wide safety initiatives,
P.I.P. provides resources for healing, empowerment, and lasting change.
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Control the Narrative
Changing perspectives, shaping futures.
Control the Narrative is a 10-session program that blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with interactive education and community service. It challenges youth perspectives on violence while engaging them in the development of soft and hard skills such as threat assessment and Stop the Bleed. Designed for youth aged 12-18, this program equips participants with tools to foster non-violent conflict management and personal growth.
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Stop the Bleed
Equipping communities with life-saving skills.
Emergency training sessions equip participants with essential life-saving skills, including wound packing, tourniquet use, and pressure application. Offered both as an integral part of the Control the Narrative (CTN) program for youth aged 12-18 and as free monthly standalone sessions for the community, these trainings are open to individuals of all ages.
Sign up today to learn skills that can make a difference in critical moments.
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Protect Your Crown
Confidence and safety, one class at a time.
A women-focused concealed weapons course offering comprehensive training alongside a unique and empowering experience. Participants receive classroom and gun range instruction, complemented by brunch, mocktails, and professional photography. Designed for women interested in self-defense and firearm safety, this course provides both practical skills and an inspiring environment.
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Firearm Safety and Handling Courses
Promoting safe firearm ownership and use.
Comprehensive firearm training for all ages, designed to promote safety and responsibility. Gun Safety Classes, offered quarterly, provide foundational education for participants aged 6 and up, while Concealed Weapons Classes, held monthly, deliver in-depth training for those 21 and older. Both programs focus on safe practices and responsible handling.
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Violence Prevention Community Circles
Bringing families together to heal and grow.
Trauma-informed support groups provide families, guardians, and youth with a safe space for emotional support and shared experiences. Held monthly, these sessions focus on healing, connection, and resilience, with specialized resources for families impacted by violence.
Impact Highlight:
In 2024, CTN achieved a 62% program completion rate, with only 1 new charge reported within 6 months post-completion, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing recidivism and transforming lives.
PARTNERING FOR RESILIENCE AND HEALING
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A NEW LEGACY
FAMILY SERVICES
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Through a vital partnership with A New Legacy Family Services, the Protect in Peace (PIP) Initiative ensures families and caregivers have access to essential mental health support.
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Together, we provide:
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Trauma-Informed Counseling: Culturally responsive services for youth and families impacted by violence or trauma.
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Support Groups: Safe spaces for caregivers, parents, and community members to connect and share experiences.
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Crisis Intervention: Immediate resources for urgent mental health needs.
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Educational Workshops: Tools for managing stress, building resilience, and fostering positive communication.
This collaboration integrates mental health into the core of P.I.P., addressing emotional well-being to foster healing, resilience, and generational growth.
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There’s a mentality we’ve grown up with: to shoot first and ask questions later, but we gotta realize that this cycle has to end for our kids to live better.
– J. Cole