Safe & Sound, Inc.
Damien Smith is an experienced professional in youth and community programming with a focus on Restorative Justice practices. Currently serving as the District Team Manager at Safe & Sound, Inc., Damien has developed strategic outreach plans, overseen staff development, and collaborated with law enforcement to enhance community safety. Previous roles include Youth Program Manager at Safe & Sound, where Damien established partnerships with law enforcement for crime-related initiatives, and Teen Program Coordinator at Wisconsin Community Services, leading staff and managing youth programs. Damien's career also includes significant experience in crisis stabilization, tutoring, and education, with a Bachelor's degree in Community Involvement from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
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Safe & Sound, Inc.
Safe & Sound Mission: We unite residents, youth, law enforcement and community resources to build safe and empowered neighborhoods. Safe neighborhoods are essential. Though adult and youth organizing, education and relationship development, including partnerships with law enforcement and community resources, Safe & Sound helps bolster community capacity leading to improved neighborhood conditions, activation of community-led initiatives and opportunities for youth. We meet residents on their own porches and around their neighborhoods connecting them to safety, health and education resources and encouraging participation in crime reporting, neighborhood improvement projects and other activities. Because adults and youth can sometimes have different focuses and sometimes share priorities and initiatives, we offer adult-focused and youth-focused organizing. Giving distinct forums for younger and older individuals meets the needs of both groups and yet, offers ample opportunities for integration of activities, role modeling behaviors, energizing youth voice and all that comes with full community involvement. As a prevention initiative for the Wisconsin HIDTA we also promote anti-drug awareness keeping people safe though good decision making. These community priorities have further support through our partnership with the Milwaukee Police District and Office of the District Attorney as part of the Community Prosecution Unit (CPU). While the CPU name may sound slightly autocratic, in fact, it is a highly interactive and responsive team designed to understand and develop solutions to neighborhood crime. The CPU Coordinator, a Safe & Sound employee serves as a community liason, helping community members safely report crime and non emergency safety concerns, supporting nuisance property abatement and fostering positive community-police relationships. We are Safer. Stronger. Together. To learn more, please visit us at safesound.org