What It Is
The Sabathani Violence Interruption Program, part of the City of Minneapolis’ community safety initiative, takes a public health approach to preventing violence in South Minneapolis. Instead of responding after harm has occurred, our team works directly in the community to build trust, mediate conflicts, and connect people with resources that support long-term stability.
The program is staffed by a dedicated team of nine. Together, they form a trusted, visible presence in South Minneapolis neighborhoods.
How It Works
- Violence Interruption – Credible messengers build relationships, mediate conflicts, and deter retaliatory violence.
- Outreach & Case Management – Individuals and families are connected to housing, food, employment, and mental health resources.
- Community Presence – Violence Interrupters walk the neighborhoods daily, talking with residents, businesses, and those at risk of violence.
Our target area is 38th Street to 31st Street and 2nd Avenue to 10th Avenue.
Our Approach
Sabathani uses a culturally responsive, trauma-informed framework that treats violence as a learned behavior – something that can be changed. Through this lens, we emphasize:
- Whole-person, whole-family support
- Cognitive behavioral strategies and skills training
- Culturally rooted mentorship and community engagement
Connected to the Cure Violence Model
Our work aligns with Cure Violence Global, a proven international model that treats violence as a public health crisis. Key elements include:
- Detecting and interrupting conflicts before they escalate
- Changing behaviors through support and mentorship
- Using real-time data to track progress and outcomes
- Partnering with schools, hospitals, and social services to build a stronger safety net
Get Involved
- Attend community events like our movie nights and neighborhood dialogues
- Connect youth and families with Sabathani programs
- Partner as a business or organization to share resources and strengthen community ties