Long Island nonprofit hosts National Crime Victims’ Rights Week event
About 50 people turned out in the rain to attend a community information and support event hosted by Family and Children’s Association (FCA) to spotlight its SNUG program, an evidence-based violence reduction initiative aimed at disrupting the cycle of gun violence in vulnerable communities.
The event, held at Kennedy Memorial Park in Hempstead on Saturday, April 12, was a wrap up to the 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which began on the previous Sunday.
“We want to make sure that people who have been the victim of a gun crime, as well as even people who have observed a gun crime, know their rights as victims and know there are people who can help,” said Erica Schifano, assistant vice president of the Family and Community Support Division of FCA. “We’ve seen it start at a younger and younger age, that children are carrying guns and being exposed to gun violence. It’s normalized in the community.”
The SNUG program — “guns” spelled backward, also known as “Should Never Use Guns” — is dedicated to reducing and preventing shootings and killings by collaborating with community residents, businesses and organizations. The SNUG program primarily serves individuals aged 12-25 who are involved in high-risk activities, residents of the Village of Hempstead, and those with current or former gang involvement or a gun-related criminal history.
“I’m tired of going through trauma, and SNUG has helped me tremendously,” said Kasheen Ali of Hempstead, who shared his story of nearly dying when he was shot four times in 2023. Choking back tears, the 32-year-old explained, “The people who have the same face as me, coming from the same background as me, will understand my pain. I feel like I would be in jail if not for SNUG.”
Also attending the event was Rosie Roberts, who lost her brother to gun violence and has worked with SNUG to overcome her trauma and loss. She performed an original song, “Pain, Lies and Friends,” about her journey.
FCA’s SNUG program has a social work and case management component supporting victims (of all ages) and their family members who have been affected by gun violence or other crimes. Click here to learn more about FCA’s SNUG program.
