Stephanie Mann

My name is Stephanie Mann. I work to reduce criminal activity in neighborhoods by empowering residents to boldly stand for safety and civility. I am the Face of Peace.

My name is Stephanie Mann.  At age 15, my divorced mother was an alcoholic with a live-in boyfriend. They abandoned me in Mexico City and I didn’t speak Spanish. I learned that all children need a supportive family and environment to stay safe and healthy.

My community involvement began in 1969. My unincorporated community of 17,500 residents had a drug and burglary problem and only two sheriff’s deputies on patrol.  I worked with nine other volunteers to hire two sheriff investigators to help implement the “Neighborhood Responsibility” Program. We organized the community and presented drug education to middle and high school students. Within 2-1/2 years, community involvement decreased crime 48% without a local police department.

“When fear and social isolation are reduced, citizens feel empowered and stop tolerating bullies, abuse, drugs, domestic violence, gun violence, gangs and other destructive behaviors.  Many Americans are working together to take back their neighborhoods and helping to create community peace!”

As a result of our success, the California Youth Authority funded the book, “Alternative to Fear: Guidelines for Safer Neighborhoods” (1975) which sold to thousands of police departments and helped launch the national program, “Neighborhood Watch.”

I worked as a consultant for the Oakland (CA) Police Department and volunteered with “The Mary Ann Wright Foundation.” I realized many of the homeless lacked the emotional tools to survive and started a support group at a local church. Within three months, four men were employed and two went into drug rehabilitation. That experience prompted me to write, “Street Safe Kids: 10-Step Guide to help Youth develop Self-esteem and Stay Centered” (2000). Teachers and parents nationwide have used this guide to help youth develop self-awareness to avoid drugs and discover peace from within.

In 2010, while working with “Mother’s Against Senseless Killings,” in Richmond CA, I saw people too scared, intimidated and angry to get involved or report crimes.  I wrote, “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook,” a 10-step guide for church groups and civic organizations who already knew and trusted each other.  This guide gives groups and individuals tools to reach out and help others connect to take back their neighborhoods. The mayor of Richmond CA along with others have implemented this strategy.

Based on my experiences, I know how important it is for every child to grow up in a safe, healthy family and neighborhood. My four prevention books were written to strengthen families and neighborhoods. When fear and social isolation are reduced, citizens feel empowered and stop tolerating bullies, abuse, drugs, domestic violence, gun violence, gangs and other destructive behaviors.  Many Americans are working together to take back their neighborhoods and helping to create community peace!

I started “Safe Kids Now” to give citizens support and the tools to help them become a “Face of Peace” in their communities.

PEACE BEGINS AT HOME AND IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!

For more information: www.safekidsnow.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NeighWatchPioneer
Blog: http://www.safekidsnow.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Safe-Kids-Now/214490501895009

 

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