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Lynn Lewis

Director of 414 LIFE

Locations

  • ThriveOn King
  • 2153 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr.
    Milwaukee, WI 53212

Contact Information

Biography

Lynn Lewis possesses a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, supplemented by a certificate in Trauma Counseling. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked extensively with high-risk youth, families, and communities in various sectors, including juvenile justice, residential treatment, academia, social science research, mental health, and program management. Lynn serves as the director for 91ɫƵ-414 LIFE, a program dedicated to preventing and interrupting retaliatory and conflict-based gun violence in Milwaukee using a public health approach. She leads a multidisciplinary team comprising violence interrupters, outreach workers, hospital responders, a community engagement coordinator, and a program operations manager. In 2020, Lynn facilitated the implementation of the inaugural Milwaukee County Credible Messenger Pilot Initiative. This initiative leverages experienced transformative mentors, known as Credible Messengers, to connect with families, communities, and leaders, thereby preventing and interrupting violence and neighborhood trauma. She successfully fostered a unified culture among five grassroots agencies, cultivating an environment of respect, trust, cohesion, and support. This experience reinforced her focus on Credible Messengers as a crucial bridge in restoring trust within communities of color. Furthermore, it underscored the potential for reform and redemption among individuals with lived experiences, such as Credible Messengers, to positively impact the lives of at-risk youth and young adults within the context of a public health approach to violence. The safety and well-being of all street teams, as well as collaborative efforts among residents, grassroots agencies, and stakeholders, remain a top priority in addressing gun violence. The ultimate goal is to empower credible individuals from the community to drive healing and positive change. On a personal note, Lynn is an avid food enthusiast, exploring culinary cultures wherever she travels. She welcomes recommendations for exceptional dining experiences.