About Us

With support from PSPC, community groups in Chicago’s neighborhoods most affected by gun violence have room to try innovative interventions, reducing violence amongst individuals most at risk of shooting or being shot. For the first time, community organizations on the South and West Sides are sharing best practices, data, resources and training to stem violence and its traumatic effects. This collaboration among organizations — and in coordination with law enforcement — multiplies the effectiveness of their efforts.

Community groups de-escalate tensions between likely victims and likely shooters. They direct residents to mental health services, housing assistance, legal aid, post-incarceration help and GED and job-training programs. They know that the solutions to violence involve treating the whole person and the whole community.

Through PSPC, community groups in 22 Chicago neighborhoods concentrated on the South and West Sides are working together with support from foundations to reduce the shootings. A new day — a new way — is here. We are joining forces to make Chicago more safe and peaceful.

Esther Franco-Payne joined the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities (PSPC) as its inaugural Executive Director in December of 2022. Esther’s personal commitment has been to serve as a voice for underserved communities of color and to be a champion for equity. Growing up in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Esther has been front and center to the issues that permeate communities impacted by crime, poverty, and disinvestment. As a social worker by training, she is a long-time advocate who has engaged the public in the development of effective adult criminal justice and youth justice policies. Learn more about Esther.